Greater Lakes Association of Realtors Supports Randall Flood Recovery

LITTLE FALLS, MN—Many Randall-area residents continue to face challenges as they work to recover from a June 23-24 storm that dropped more than a foot of rain and caused widespread flooding when the Little Elk River overflowed its banks.

About 40 homes and businesses were affected by the floodwaters. The National Weather Service deemed the storm a 500-year rain event, causing an estimated $2 million in damage. Thanks to the Greater Lakes Association of Realtors, $30,000 is being made available to Randall-area residents through the Realtors Relief Foundation (RRF), a Realtor-led organization that helps families rebuild following a disaster. Those who were displaced from their homes may apply for grants to cover mortgage payments, rent or other expenses. 

“When disaster strikes and a homeowner’s typically largest financial asset becomes threatened, or they are unable to live safely in their own home, it’s time to jump into action,” said Dolly Matten, CEO of the Greater Lakes Association of Realtors. “This is why we’ve joined forces with the RRF and the Initiative Foundation to help the Randall community recover from these devastating floods.”

Randall-area residents may apply for relief funding from the Greater Lakes Association of Realtors. Applications are available at greaterlakesrealtors.com/glar-foundation and are due on Sept. 25. 

“I’m proud of the way the community came together to help those harmed by the Randall flood,” said Zach Tabatt, Initiative Foundation nonprofit development program officer. “One phone call to the Greater Lakes Area Association of Realtors, and they quickly stepped up to help. We are thankful to them for the support.” 

So far, $83,500 has been distributed by the Randall Area Flood Recovery Task Force and St. James Catholic Church, thanks to individual, corporate and nonprofit donations to the Initiative Foundation-hosted Randall Area Flood Recovery Fund. The money went to 32 homeowners and two nonprofits. Another $10,000 in business relief was awarded with grant support from Compeer Financial.

The Initiative Foundation and its partners continue to look for sources of funding to support the community in what will be a long road to recovery.