Realtors help families displaced by affordable housing fire in Richfield

Nov. 22, 2022

RICHFIELD — Utah Realtors are giving a total of $10,500 to the families displaced by the Nov. 21 affordable housing fire in Richfield.

Dave Coe, president of the Red Hills Chapter of Realtors, will be distributing the money to the affected families on Wednesday in Richfield.

“It’s truly a privilege to be in an industry that can help people in such time of need,” Coe said. “It was heartwarming to see how many Realtors in our community either directly helped in putting out the fire or organized clothing and fundraising events online within moments of learning the news. Our hearts go out to those who lost their residence, and we’re grateful that no one lost their lives.”

The relief funding comes from the Utah Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Fund (UARHOF). The charity has a special emergency fund to assist families whose homes are damaged or destroyed in disasters.

“It’s so devastating,” said Richfield Realtor Lisa Cleaveland, who serves as a UARHOF trustee. “It means a lot that we can help because the residents need money for everything. Every little bit will help because they absolutely have nothing.”

Since its inception, the Realtors’ Housing Opportunity Fund has donated more than $500,000 to help address housing needs in Utah. The fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit that gives to charitable housing programs. The charity is funded through earnest money interest that is generated during the home-purchase process.

“When you have a tragedy like this, it’s important that the community rally to help those in need,” said Randy Day, president of the Utah Association of Realtors. “I’m fortunate to be part of an organization that cares about helping people and has a process in place to act in times of crisis. What a blessing.”