The Hays Board of REALTORS® adds a little competition to their Core Standards work. In 2018 they issued a challenge to the local real estate offices to gather as many supplies as they could to donate to First Call for Help. The organization works to prevent homelessness and the loss of basic utilities to vulnerable persons in Ellis county. Supplies needed included toiletries, food, bottled water, and office supplies. Overall the team donated about 100 different items. While there wasn’t a prize for the office that collected the most items, Elite Realty Group won the bragging rights.
Prior to the establishment of First Call for Help churches in Ellis County worked to address the needs of transients, those at risk of becoming homeless and people facing financial crises. However, the need for assistance outgrew what the churches could provide. In the 1990s churches, pastors and local government came together to create First Call for Help to centralize community resources and emergency assistance. In 2018 First Call for Help provided 565 individuals with emergency financial assistance and more than 450 additional people with food, hygiene items, diapers and referrals to other agencies.
Additionally, HBOR works to support Toys for Tots during the holiday season as well as educating students in the community about careers in real estate.
