If you’ve taken the Short Sale class from me, you may remember hearing me tell a story about a financially distressed homeowner who was going to net zero after their short sale closed, and who had nowhere to go. The Snohomish County Camano Association of Realtors is holding their annual Homeless Endowment Fund Gala Auction on Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 6:30 to 10:00 PM at the Everett Train Station. I remember going to the very first auction! It was held at a very modest location and we had a buffet line spaghetti dinner. It was VERY hot that night and there was no air conditioning, but the crowd raised more money than anyone expected. The auctions are always lots of fun, and they’ve grown to be big events at great locations. Here’s more background about the Fund.
The Snohomish County REALTOR® Homeless Endowment Fund was established in 1991. The fund provides rental security deposits and emergency housing vouchers to individuals and families in need of housing. Many families or individuals qualify for a rental, but need assistance with the security deposit so they can get into their new home, and who otherwise might be homeless.
The Volunteers of America Western Washington screen the tenants, set up a no interest loan and repayment plan, provide casework services and counseling. The Association, upon receiving a signed note, writes the check directly to the landlord. The tenant repays the loan on a payment plan which takes into consideration their particular financial situation. Since the fund started operating in September 1991, we have raised over $550,000 and assisted over 4000 families..
For more information on attending, donating or sponsoring, visit the SCCAR website or email lara@sccar.com