ROGERS, Ark. — After multiple tornadoes hit Northwest Arkansas on Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of people were left with their homes partially or totally destroyed.
Since then, local and state organizations have been pitching in to help.
The Arkansas Realtors Association (ARA) committed $2 million out of the Realtors Relief Foundation to help those impacted.
ARA President Jennifer Welch says that they've been able to help hundreds of people already.
"So far, we have approved 853 applications for families across the state, and over 600 of those have been for Northwest Arkansas alone," Welch said. "We have given out about 1.45 million so far and are continuing that process through July 31 or until funds are depleted."
The money is going to their charity called Heart and Home, with intentions to give up to $2,000 to every approved applicant to help rebuild their homes.
"The money that comes from the Realtors Relief Foundation that goes through hearts and homes, is used in order to help people to rebuild their homes. You know, those homes that were affected by the tornadoes, that's what we're here for. We're helping our communities rebuild," Welch said.
Welch adds that she's proud of what her organization is doing to help those in need.
"We are so proud, so proud of our realtors, and so proud of just the community themselves and how everyone has rallied together in order to rebuild," Welch said. "It's been wonderful and very heartwarming when you hear them come in, you know, and tell their stories, the victims of these tornadoes, and when they come in and tell their stories and tell what they're having to go through and have gone through, it's very touching. It's very heartfelt."
The people who've benefited from the Realtors Relief Foundation are so grateful for their efforts
"Anything at this point helps anything, and what you all are doing is amazing, and you can never repay that. You know, all we can do is pay it forward," one recipient said.
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