When devastating floods struck San Diego County in January 2024, hundreds of families were displaced, and many faced the uncertainty of how to cover their housing expenses. In response, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR), in partnership with the REALTORS® Relief Foundation, launched the Flood Relief Grant Program to provide direct financial support to affected households.
Through this program, PSAR was able to distribute $190,000 in housing assistance grants, helping nearly 100 households with critical expenses such as mortgage, rent, and temporary housing. Each qualified applicant received up to $2,900 in assistance, offering much-needed stability during a time of crisis.
Community Impact
The grant program brought national disaster relief dollars directly into San Diego County. While the floods caused more than $30 million in damage and displaced more than 1,200 residents, PSAR’s program served as an immediate bridge to help families cover urgent housing costs while they awaited insurance claims, government relief, or other recovery assistance.
Families across impacted neighborhoods expressed gratitude for the program’s fast response. By easing financial pressure, the grants allowed many to remain in their homes or secure safe housing after losing so much to floodwaters.
Collaboration for Recovery
The success of this effort was made possible through collaboration:
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The REALTORS® Relief Foundation provided more than $1 million in funding.
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PSAR and local REALTOR® leaders facilitated outreach, application review, and disbursement of funds.
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Community partners and media outlets helped spread the word, ensuring residents were aware of the application deadline and eligibility requirements.
This combined effort highlighted the REALTOR® community’s commitment to supporting housing stability and serving as trusted advocates beyond real estate transactions.
Lessons Learned and Next Steps
While PSAR is proud of the impact of the Flood Relief Grants, the need in our community remains far greater than any one program can solve. The experience underscored the importance of:
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Fast mobilization of resources when disaster strikes.
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Strong community partnerships to reach underserved neighborhoods.
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Transparent reporting on outcomes, so members and residents understand the difference REALTORS® make locally.
A Record of Resilience
The Flood Relief Grant Program reflects PSAR’s mission: Empowering Real Estate Professionals and supporting the communities where REALTORS® live and work. Nearly 100 families received tangible help at a time when they needed it most.
As San Diego County continues its recovery, PSAR remains committed to advocating for housing stability, building stronger communities, and ensuring that REALTORS® are recognized as community leaders in times of both prosperity and crisis.
This program was made possible the the National Association of REALTOR® Relief Foundation. To donate, please click here.
