In the days after Hurricane Florence, those who properties were affected may be dealing with insurance agents and FEMA, along with cleaning, demolition and lining up contractors to repair what was destroyed. The list of tasks might seem overwhelmingly, especially if one is worrying about upcoming mortgage payments or rent on a flooded home.

That’s where the NC REALTORS Housing Foundation could come in. The foundation, the charitable arm of NC REALTORS, is providing $550,000 to help residents affected by Hurricane Florence with immediate housing needs through assisted housing grants, according to a press release from NC REALTORS Housing Foundation. For those affected by the storm, the grant program will pay for one month’s rent or mortgage payment, up to $1,500. Grants do not need to be repaid.

“I think it’s a great thing. When you lose a lot, then every little penny helps,” said Glenn Holt, one of the owners of Low Tide Realty and president-elect of Washington-Beaufort County Board of Realtors. “Anywhere where we can get people in need right now, that’s where we need to get the money.”

Holt said when his home received major damage during Hurricane Irene, he and wife Sandy applied for, and received, a grant from the foundation.

“It’s very helpful,” Holt said. “Sandy and I were much more affected during Irene than Florence. People in Washington got it worse during Florence.”

Impacted residents can apply for the Housing Foundation’s housing assistance grants through an online application available to download at ncrealtorshf.org. For those without Internet access, local realtors can also assist with the applications.

“The Foundation recognizes from past experience with Hurricane Matthew and the recent tornado in Greensboro the need for us to be as responsive as possible and ensure that affected families’ needs are met in a timely manner,” said Foundation President Sofia Crisp. “More importantly we want it known that in times of disaster, families can count on the NC REALTORS Housing Foundation.”

Earlier this year, the Housing Foundation, formerly called Homes4NC, awarded almost $75,000 to 100 families impacted by the April 15 tornadoes in Guilford and Rockingham counties, according to the press release. In 2016, the Foundation awarded over $315,000 in housing assistance grants to 300 North Carolina families impacted by Hurricane Matthew.