In response to the devastating flooding across northwest New Mexico, the REALTOR® Fund of the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® (GAAR) has approved a $10,000 donation to San Juan United Way to support families and communities affected by the disaster.

The donation, approved by the GAAR Board of Directors at its October 28, 2026 meeting, will come from the Fund's Emergency Relief Fund, which provides assistance to communities facing unexpected hardships and disasters.

"The REALTOR® Fund is about more than our annual grants. It’s about being there when our communities need us most. The recent flooding reminded us of how quickly lives can change. I’m proud that our Fund was able to provide $10,000 to help our neighbors in Northern New Mexico when they needed it." 

- Teri Hatcher, 2026 SWMLS Board President and 2026 REALTOR® Fund Chair

Supporting Our Neighbors in Northwest New Mexico

Severe storms and flooding in late October caused extensive damage throughout San Juan County and surrounding communities, including areas of the Navajo Nation. Families have been displaced, homes and personal belongings damaged, and many residents are facing a difficult road to recovery.

San Juan United Way, based in Farmington, is coordinating local relief and recovery efforts to help affected residents access essential resources, including food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities.

The $10,000 contribution will support these ongoing efforts as communities begin the process of rebuilding and recovering.

REALTORS® Supporting Communities Beyond Albuquerque

The REALTOR® Fund was established to make a lasting difference through charitable giving, community partnerships, and assistance to those in need.

While the Fund's primary charitable mission focuses on Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, and Torrance Counties, its Relief Fund provides an opportunity to extend support when disasters affect neighboring New Mexico communities.

For REALTORS®, the importance of home extends beyond buying and selling property. It represents safety, stability, and a sense of belonging. When natural disasters threaten those foundations, helping neighbors recover reflects the profession's commitment to community.

“In 2022, we created the Emergency Relief Fund to ensure that when communities across New Mexico faced their darkest moments, we wouldn't have to wait to help. We could step in immediately, offer meaningful support, and demonstrate the powerful, positive impact REALTORS® have in the communities we serve. The Emergency Relief Fund was created with devastating natural disasters like this in mind- to be able provide urgent aid to our fellow New Mexicans devastated by these catastrophic floods. Because of our generous sponsors and donors, this $10,000 donation will help provide immediate assistance, address emerging needs, and support our neighbors in Northern New Mexico on the road to recovery.”

- Morgan Cannaday, 2026 GAAR Board Director and REALTOR® Fund Committee Member

How You Can Help

Recovery from widespread flooding takes time, and the need for assistance will continue well beyond the immediate emergency.

Those interested in contributing to relief efforts can visit San Juan United Way to learn more about its flood recovery initiatives and how to help.

About the  Emergency Relief Fund of the REALTOR® Fund of the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS®

Since 2021, proceeds from REALTOR® Fund events have continued to surpass previous years' proceeds because of the generosity of our sponsors and member contributions. Due to that tremendous growth and recommendation of the REALTOR® Fund Committee, the GAAR Board has established an Emergency Relief Fund, a subset of the REALTOR® Fund, in 2022.

Mission

The Emergency Relief Fund provides GAAR the ability to make meaningful donations for relief in the event of major disasters in New Mexico. The GAAR Board is authorized to distribute emergency funds when the use of these funds meets the following criteria; the protection of lives, property, public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in New Mexico.

Two Funds. Two Purposes.

The Emergency Relief Fund is designated for emergency circumstances, as opposed to the REALTOR® Fund which is utilized for traditional charitable donations. The Emergency Relief Fund is managed by the Albuquerque Community Foundation (ACF), invested in money market accounts overseen by ACF, and maintains a balance of $50,000. The Emergency Relief Fund is managed and invested separately from the existing REALTOR® Fund endowment that is also held at ACF.

Distribution Process

In the event of a natural disaster within New Mexico, the REALTOR® Fund Committee will discuss the situation at either a scheduled or emergency meeting. If the Committee sees fit, a recommendation and request for board action will be presented to the Executive Board. The Committee may recommend allocation of up to 50% of the fund balance for any single emergency.

The fund will be replenished from the annual REALTOR® Fund event fundraisers. Monies raised for the REALTOR® Fund will first be allocated to replenish the Emergency Relief Fund up to a $50,000 balance with any remaining funds deposited to the REALTOR® Fund.

Donations

Major GAAR events will continue to benefit the REALTOR® Fund which will replenish the Emergency Relief Fund as noted. Members that wish to donate directly to the Emergency Relief Fund can do so by contributing to the REALTOR® Fund but designating the donation to the "Emergency Relief Fund."

To donate online to either fund, click here.