There are a variety of reasons that real estate professionals choose this industry, not the least of which is that we love where we live. We love working with people, and it’s even more rewarding if those people are members of our own communities. With that in mind, Give Back Homes was created on the very simple idea that homes change lives. By providing for people in need of homes, we are keeping families safe and building strong communities.
Give Back Homes was founded by Blake Andrews after a three-year stint with TOMS Shoes, which was spent traveling the world giving shoes to people in need. Upon his return, he and his wife were working with a local real estate agent, and the topic of charitable giving entered their discussion. It was then that Blake made the connection between his experience with TOMS and the lack of philanthropic opportunities specific to real estate professionals; Give Back Homes was founded shortly thereafter.
Members of the Give Back Home organization come from just about any professional that you can think of in the real estate industry, including residential and commercial real estate agents, mortgage brokers, interior designers, home builders, and relocation specialists. When you choose to work with one of these professionals, they will make a contribution to Give Back Homes on your behalf, which will then be used to fund the construction of a home for a family in need. Members can even participate in actually building a home if they would like, once fundraising for that site has been completed.
The organization is currently working alongside Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County (CA), San Diego, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, and New York. As we continue to spread the word and promote this incredible cause, Give Back Homes will continue to grow and branch out into more communities. Even if you are not a real estate professional, there is an opportunity for you to contribute to the cause, crowdfunding-style. All you need to do is visit the Current Projects page on their website and choose one that you would like to support.
Even if you don’t contribute directly, simply working with one of the organization’s “social good agents” makes a huge impact on the mission of Give Back Homes. The website makes it easy to find these professionals, which can be done by using their Find a Member feature.
The connections that are formed through organizations like Give Back Homes are invaluable, and they’re exactly the kind of thing that keep communities strong. It’s a cause that I am incredibly proud to support. Be sure to visit their website to learn more about this remarkable movement for social change, or feel free to ask me. I would love to tell you more about my involvement and what you can do to help.