FAQ for Florida Realtors

1. What is Homes for Hope?
It is a volunteer program initiated by members of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS and designed to match homes and commercial space offered free for temporary occupancy with people devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

2. How does Homes for Hope get information on properties that are available?
Through http://www.HomesforHope.net, people with space available may submit information on property they are willing to make available, as well as the terms on which it is available, any restrictions on use, their contact information, etc.

3. How does Homes for Hope get information on available properties to disaster victims?
Homes for Hope property lists are compiled at the State level and coordinated by the Florida Governor’s office and distributed through FEMA, the Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations working in the area of need where, often, there is no electricity, television, telephone or computer service.

4. How do REALTORS get involved?
Contact the Greater Tampa REALTORS’ Association (GTAR). Each REALTORS’ association is encouraged to create a listing of REALTORS who will assist owners of properties in communicating with disaster victims about their properties. REALTORS are in a unique position to know about properties that might be available for occupancy. REALTORS are requested to ask their clients and other contacts whether they have any property or shared space they might be willing to contribute or make available to disaster evacuees. Information on such properties can be entered by the REALTOR or into pertinent databases by clicking the "Act Now" link on the right hand side of the page. Owners can choose to contribute their properties to the pertinent databases for use by disaster victims without the involvement of REALTORS and may or may not offer compensation to REALTORS. This is a special circumstance where REALTORS are encouraged to contribute their knowledge without compensation to help people recover their lives. Remember, the people seeking properties have often lost everything.

5. What types of property should I contribute?
Disaster victims can use any type of habitable property or property suitable for commercial use which is operational and does not have structural problems. For instance, a room in a home, an office cubicle, a motor home, and a warehouse are all properties that would be appreciated by people who are trying to rebuild their lives.