Supporting Communities Through the REALTORS® Relief Foundation

03.11.2026

By Heather Sauer

Supporting Communities Through the REALTORS® Relief Foundation

At Aspire North REALTORS®, our members do more than help people buy and sell homes, we are deeply invested in the strength and well-being of our Northern Michigan communities. One of the ways REALTORS® across the country support communities in times of crisis is through the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF).

What Is the REALTORS® Relief Foundation?

The REALTORS® Relief Foundation is a charitable nonprofit created by the National Association of REALTORS® to provide housing-related assistance to families impacted by natural disasters. Established in the wake of the September 11 attacks, the foundation has since helped thousands of families recover from disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires.

When disasters strike, the REALTORS® Relief Foundation works closely with state and local REALTOR® associations to quickly distribute financial assistance to affected individuals. This support is specifically focused on helping families remain safely housed during difficult times.

Funds from the foundation can help cover expenses such as:

Mortgage payments on damaged homes
Temporary rental housing for displaced families
Hotel stays or short-term housing while homes are repaired or rebuilt

Because the National Association of REALTORS® covers 100% of the administrative costs, every dollar donated goes directly to disaster relief efforts and the families who need it most.

Why This Matters to Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is known for its strong communities and resilient residents, but our region is not immune to natural disasters and unexpected hardships. When communities face challenges, from snow/ice storms to flooding , the REALTORS® Relief Foundation helps ensure that support can be delivered quickly and effectively.

This program reflects one of the core values of REALTORS®: helping people maintain safe and stable housing, especially during times of crisis.

Aspire North REALTORS® Gives Back

Aspire North REALTORS® recently made a donation to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation because we believe in supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference. We know firsthand how generosity within the REALTOR® community often comes full circle, helping communities across the country, including our own.

By contributing to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation, we help ensure that resources are available when families need them most.

How You Can Support the REALTORS® Relief Foundation

If you would like to help support disaster recovery and housing assistance efforts, you can make a contribution directly to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation here:

Donate to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation:

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/8VCKUg?vid=1p715c

Every donation helps provide critical housing support to families recovering from disasters.

Interested in Serving as an Ambassador?

REALTORS® who are passionate about giving back can also become REALTORS® Relief Foundation Ambassadors for their region. Ambassadors help raise awareness about the foundation and encourage others within the REALTOR® community to get involved.

Ambassador opportunities may include:

Encouraging fellow REALTORS® to support the foundation
Presenting information about RRF to local boards or associations
Advocating for the importance of disaster relief support
Making a personal financial contribution to the foundation
Joining monthly calls with other regional ambassadors

Serving as an ambassador is a meaningful way to help ensure communities have the support they need when disaster strikes. If you are interested in becoming an ambassador, please email mpassarelli@nar.realtor, subject: RRF: Ambassador Inquiry

A Commitment to Community

At Aspire North REALTORS®, we are proud to be part of a profession that values community support and giving back. The REALTORS® Relief Foundation demonstrates how REALTORS® nationwide come together to help families rebuild and recover during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Together, we can continue to make a difference, both here in Northern Michigan and in communities across the country.

Heather Sauer

Heather Sauer is the Human Resource Manager for Aspire North Realtors, bringing a strong background in human resources, leadership, and business strategy. She began her career in retail management while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University, later transitioning into human resources at Target, where she served as an Executive Team Leader of Human Resources. During this time, she earned her MBA from the Northwood University DeVos Graduate School.

After relocating to Traverse City, Michigan, Heather continued her HR career with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), managing more than 30 client accounts and partnering closely with leadership teams on employee relations, compliance, and organizational development. In the fall of 2023, she expanded her professional experience into business development and entrepreneurship.

In addition to her role at Aspire North Realtors, Heather is also an independent travel agent, helping individuals, families, and groups plan seamless, memorable travel experiences. Her passion for service, organization, and relationship-building carries through both her HR and travel work.