Bucks County Uses NAR Grant to Help Homeowners Impacted by Recent Flash Flooding

The Bucks County Association of Realtors® received a $200,000 grant from NAR’s Realtors® Relief Foundation to assist homeowners affected by flash flooding in the region in July.

Six to 10 inches of rain fell in less than four hours in Bucks County, causing a “100-year flooding” of the Neshaminy Creek, which runs through Bensalem Township, Bristol borough and Bristol Township. The flooding emergency closed many roadways and required emergency evacuations of dozens of residents in several communities. More than 800 families suffered loss or damage to their homes due to this flooding and many of the homes in this area did not have flood insurance because they aren’t located in a flood zone.

The money will help homeowners and temporary renters begin the recovery process with a one-month mortgage payment or temporary rental, up to $1,000 per household. More than 50 residents have applied for the grants so far and more apply every day.

“Realtors® live in the communities they serve and we understand the huge financial burden this disaster caused to many families,” said Dayna Gray, president of BCAR. “We’re grateful that NAR’s Realtors® Relief Foundation awarded this grant so we’re able to provide help to those affected by the floods.”

A team of Realtors® is assisting with the application review process and distributing the grants to homeowners in the coming weeks.

Local leaders have expressed appreciation for the Realtor® assistance in this trying time.

Bristol Township Council President Craig Bowen said, “So many of our residents are still dealing with the emotional and financial burdens of the overwhelming flooding of July 12. This Realtor® support will help them breathe a little easier.”

“We are appreciative of the Realtor® Relief Foundation for providing this generous assistance that will help many of our residents recover, rebuild and move forward,” said Bensalem Township Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo.

And Bristol Borough Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe noted, “As a lifelong resident of Bristol borough, I know the character of this community and I know we’ll bounce back from this terrible flooding. I’m happy we have the support of groups like the Realtor® Relief Foundation. Their assistance will help us get back to normal as fast as possible.”

NAR is currently conducting an anniversary campaign for the Realtors® Relief Foundation, which was established within hours of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. More than $8.4 million was raised in the weeks following the tragedy to provide urgent housing-related assistance for those struggling in the aftermath. In the past 20 years, the foundation has awarded $33 million to 100 disaster recoveries in 38 states.

NAR will host a 20th anniversary commemorative event: Hope Rising on Sept. 10 at noon hosted by NAR President Charlie Oppler.