Anyone in Santa Barbara County whose housing was impacted by the storms in January may be eligible for financial assistance up to $3,000 through the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors Disaster Relief Program.

Santa Barbara County residents who faced displacement or whose homes were damaged or destroyed may qualify for relief provided by the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAOR) in partnership with the Realtors Relief Foundation (RRF).

Assistance is available for qualified applicants to help with the following:

• Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the flooding disaster.
• Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the flooding disaster.
• Hotel reimbursement due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the flooding disaster.

Residents who qualify may apply for reimbursement of one month’s mortgage, rent payment, or hotel reimbursement, or $3,000 whichever is less.

To apply for disaster relief assistance, visit https://www.sbaor.org/forms/.

This is not the first time SBAOR has given back to the community following disaster. In the wake of the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow, SBAOR joined the Ojai Board of Realtors and Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors to provide enough financial assistance to help more than 200 families.

The RRF was created by the National Association of Realtors in response to the 9/11 attacks. It has gone on to help several communities rebuild after disasters ranging from wildfires to hurricanes. Through its efforts, the RRF has helped more than 19,000 families stay in their homes.