At Greater Owensboro Realtor Association’s meeting on Tuesday, over $10,000 in proceeds from the Home Ownership Matters Fair were awarded to Aid the Homeless.
The fair, which features Realtors and homeownership affiliates like mortgage loan officers and closing attorneys, was held in June.
“We come together to drive home the benefits of home ownership,” said Tyler Shookman, chair of the event.
The $10,000 raised from the fair came strictly from the 40 sponsors that held a booth at the event, which Shookman said is up from previous years.
“Teaming up with Friday After 5 really created a high demand for booths,” he said.
Shookman said that home ownership is important to the community.
“Every two homes sold creates one job,” he said. “It also provides financial stability, especially for first time home buyers when you compare owning a home versus renting.”
Shookman said donating the money to Aid the Homeless, an organization formed by the GORA that supports and brings awareness to Owensboro’s homeless shelters, is a way for his team to come full circle.
“From homelessness to ownership,” he said. “Aid the Homeless helps support organizations that get people back on their feet, which eventually means in a home.”
Aid the Homeless funding is not earmarked for specific projects and can be used at the discretion of the shelter.
Last year Aid the Homeless gave $48,000 to local shelters and has given $300,000 total since its inception in 2011.
