When disaster strikes, families need more than temporary shelter—they need a path to recovery. Rental assistance programs provide immediate and ongoing support to help displaced households secure safe, stable housing while they rebuild their lives.
Why Rental Assistance Matters After a Disaster
Natural disasters can destroy homes, disrupt incomes, and displace entire communities. Rental assistance programs are a critical part of disaster recovery, offering:
- 🏠 Safe and Stable Housing: Helps families quickly secure rental homes when their own have been damaged or destroyed.
- 💸 Financial Relief: Covers rent, deposits, and in some cases utilities—reducing the financial burden during a time of crisis.
- 🧘 Peace of Mind: Allows families to focus on recovery without the fear of homelessness or housing instability.
- 👨👩👧 Support for Vulnerable Populations: Prioritizes those with the greatest need, including low-income households, seniors, and families with children.
- 🏘️ Stronger Communities: Prevents mass displacement and helps keep communities intact during rebuilding.
Grace in Action Fund: REALTORS® Rally to Keep WNC Families Housed
Hurricane Helene left a lasting mark on Western North Carolina. Jobs have disappeared. Savings are gone. And every day, more of our neighbors face the threat of eviction, foreclosure, or having their power shut off.
As the oldest REALTOR® association in North Carolina, we know how vital stable housing is. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church on the Grace in Action Fund, providing direct rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to those in need.
Since the storm, Grace Covenant has distributed $5.5 million to help cover rent, mortgages, and utility bills for families across 12 counties. With your support, we can keep this critical work going.
What You Can Do Today
A committee at LOTSAR led by Bonnie Gilbert of Moving Mountains Property Group, LLC and Frank Day of Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks is partnering with Grace Covenant to launch the Grace in Action Fund.
They’re inviting the community to take action by:
- Donating: Every $1,650 provides a month of rent for a family in need.
- Spreading the Word: Share this campaign with clients, colleagues, and friends. Leverage your network to make a difference.
- Contact the Committee: Connect with Frank Day to see how you can help.
Why LOTSAR Stepped Up
The Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS® (LOTSAR) has long been dedicated to supporting Hurricane Helene relief in Western North Carolina. In the aftermath of the storm, our building served as a collection point for donated supplies from REALTORS across the state, which were then distributed by volunteers to local organizations assisting neighbors in need. Members and staff also helped homeowners and tenants receive $1.2 million in recovery funds through the National Association of REALTORS® and NC REALTORS®. Additional efforts included sharing resources for rebuilding, guidance on state and federal assistance applications, providing water testing information when the local supply was compromised, working alongside an affordable housing developer to offer temporary housing cottages, and hosting presentations on legal and regulatory issues related to the hurricane’s impact on real estate.
Real People. Real Stories. Real Impact.
“If I hadn’t received assistance through Grace Covenant, I could have easily foreclosed on my mortgage or just given up.” — Micah Taylor Hayes
The Impact So Far
- $5.5 million of support distributed
- 12 counties served across Western North Carolina
- Thousands of families stabilized and housed
“When we help keep families housed, we’re not just protecting homes—we’re preserving hope, opportunity, and community. That’s what this fund is all about.” — Rachel Brown, LOTSAR’s President
Let’s See Your Grace in Action
Hurricane Helene left thousands on the brink of eviction and foreclosure. But from that challenge came a movement fueled by the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to live.
Join us and show the community what Grace in Action looks like. Your gift today helps a family stay housed tomorrow.
