Realtors raise $750,000 for housing fund

The California Assn. of Realtors has raised $750,000 for its Housing Affordability Fund, which makes grants to home-buying assistance programs and community projects.

Since the fund’s inception early this year, the group has received $161,000 in contributions from Realtor associations statewide. The balance of funds came from more than 500 individual donors and the association’s initial $500,000 donation. The goal this year is to raise $1 million for home-buyer education programs, local building projects, and state initiatives.

Association President Toby Bradley said the group is committed to raising and distributing $20 million over five-years. The first grant of $26,000 recently was awarded to the Monterey County Housing Alliance Housing Opportunity Center.