WHEELING — There is $100,000 for housing on its way to assist Ohio County residents displaced by flooding courtesy of the nation’s Realtors.

The West Virginia Association of Realtors with the Wheeling Board of Realtors have announced the receipt of a $100,000 disaster relief grant from the National Association of Realtors’ through its Realtors Relief Foundation.

Lou Vargo, director of the Ohio County Emergency Management Agency, reports 34 homes in the county were destroyed by flooding.

County officials now must determine whether there is enough housing available locally to accommodate those who were displaced.

“That’s a great question,” said Shelley Crake, president of the Wheeling Board of Realtors. “That is something (Ohio County Growth and Retention Director) Stephanie Hockenbery and I have been throwing around. Will we have to bring in temporary housing?”

The answer likely will depend on whether the area receives additional fund relief resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, she continued.

Crake noted there is definitely enough housing for sale locally to accommodate those who need homes. But for those renting who might not be able to purchase a home, there will be a shortage of available rentals.

“Usually, people are in rentals because they don’t have the ability to buy something,” she said.

The RAF funding can be used to help local families who have lost homes by providing support for housing-related expenses such as mortgages, emergency repairs, temporary rentals, or hotel stays due to displacement.

Realtors will be on-site to help complete applications from 9 a.m. to noon and 3- 6 p.m. today and Thursday at both the Triadelphia Community Center at 4453 National Road; and the Valley Grove Community Center, 8566 National Road.

The Realtors also will be at the locations on Friday, the Independence Day holiday, from 9 a.m. until noon.

“When we see our neighbors hurting, we show up,” Crake said. “This grant is more than just financial help–it’s a message that you are not alone. The real estate community across the country is standing with West Virginia families during this difficult time.”

The grant will cover those affected by flooding in both Ohio and Marion Counties, and applicants can apply to receive up to $1,000 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis, she said.

One member per household can apply. Homeowners who have already paid off their mortgage or do not have one can receive up to $500.

“If they’ve already paid off their house or they have a generational home that their grandma passed down to them and they’ve never had a mortgage, they can receive up to $500,” Crake explained. “That is not listed on the grant application, so people don’t realize that homeowners whose houses are paid off are still eligible.”

To apply for the program, homeowners will need a copy of their mortgage statement, pictures of the flood damage to their residence and a copy of their federal ID. Renters will need a copy of their lease agreement.

“If someone owns a home and has their mortgage paid, we can just pull a copy of their tax ticket, and they can still get $500,” Crake added. “I know people are leery about this kind of stuff because there’s been some scammers out there, but this is completely legit.”

Crake said that Realtors at the on-site application centers will assist applicants in filling out the form and submitting the application to the WVAR. Applications must be submitted to the WVAR by Aug. 1, and checks will be mailed out after that.

“We can make sure it’s all done properly because a problem they’re having with some applications that have already been sent into the state is that they’re not being filled out properly, so then they have to email back whoever sent them in,” Crake noted. “If a Realtor helps, they can get the application sent in properly. If the application is emailed in, people will also get the money back faster as opposed to sending it in by mail.”

Crake encourages any homeowners or renters impacted by the flooding to apply. She noted there were no income guidelines or pay-back requirements for the program.

“I keep telling people, ‘It’s free money. Please apply,'” Crake said.

Crake added that securing the funding was another way the NAR and the WVAR were advocating for homeowners. She estimated that “hundreds and hundreds” of people in the valley were affected by the flooding, including members of the local real estate community.

“Realtors don’t just buy and sell houses; we’re your friends and your neighbors and we’re out here helping in the community,” Crake said. “This grant funding is part of NARS and WVAR contributing to the community. We’re out there every day fighting for homeowners, and this is a perfect example of what we’re doing right here in Ohio County.”

Those unable to apply for the funding at the on-site application centers can reach out to Shelley Crake for assistance at 304-639-1807.

The Relief Foundation was created in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and continues to be a trusted source of hope and shelter for those impacted by natural disasters nationwide.

The Realtors Relief Foundation has provided millions in housing relief across the country since its founding. Those interested mau learn more at www.nar.realtor/realtors-relief-foundation.