If you’ve been following the news lately, or if you’ve been directly affected by recent events, it might seem like the world has turned into an apocalyptic landscape. With wildfires in Oregon, California, Montana, and elsewhere, and Hurricane Harvey and Irma ripping through the southern United States and Caribbean, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
In difficult times, I am reminded of a quote from the beloved Mr. Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers–so many caring people in this world.”
The Keller Williams family is among the many helpers.
How Keller Williams Is Helping
As Hurricane Harvey’s devastation spread, leaving at least 210,700 properties damaged or destroyed in Texas, many displaced survivors looked for shelter at the Austin Convention Center, where Keller William’s company typically holds a four-day conference each year in September. After seeing how many people needed support in the hurricane’s aftermath, Keller Williams decided to change the international conference from Mega Camp into Mega Relief, a nonprofit disaster response campaign. The company has teamed up with Austin Disaster Relief Network, Central Texas Food Bank, and the Salvation Army to support the areas of Texas affected by the hurricane. Keller Williams has also been working with local government and businesses to gather supplies and funds.
So far, over 6,000 Keller Williams agents volunteering in Houston and elsewhere across Texas have helped 330 families and associates clean up their homes. Keller Williams will continue these support efforts to help survivors of Hurricane Irma as well.
The goal is to raise $20 million for hurricane relief in both Texas and Florida, which was recently hit by Hurricane Irma. Keller Williams also hopes to make Austin a center for future disaster relief efforts.
The Mega Relief campaign officially started on Monday, September 11th. Here are some more numbers about the Mega Relief effort. On the second day alone, Mega Relief:
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mobilized 10,000 pounds of food donations
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assembled 4,800 cleanup kits
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dispatched 1,000 personal care packages
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helped 40 displaced children get ready to go back to school
- 95 homes have been de-mucked (since Tuesday-Thursday)
How You Can Help
Donate to KW Cares or to Red Relief to support Keller Williams as they help hurricane survivors. Donations will go towards buying food, water, clothing, and building supplies. You can also donate your time by volunteering with Keller Williams.
If you are feeling despair over the difficulties facing the world right now, again, keep in mind that there are so many good people who are helping. (And maybe read or watch some Mr. Rogers!) Especially for homeowners and associates in the company’s family, Keller Williams is there for those in need.
Next week we’ll cover more information about how to ensure that your home is protected from natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires. If you have other questions or housing markets needs, be sure to contact Pickett Street at (425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com.