On December 1, 2024, a fire prompted the evacuation of Cedar Ridge Apartment Homes in Richton Park, displacing more than 30 elderly residents. Nearly six months later, many of them were still looking for permanent housing, prompting members of Mainstreet REALTORS® with a Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES) designation to step in and support. 

“Richton Park’s community relations coordinator reached out to Illinois REALTORS® to see what we could do to assist,” said Nora Gruenberg, Illinois Association of REALTORS® government affairs director for Southland. “I immediately reached out to our partners at Mainstreet REALTORS®, who had boots on the ground.” 

To connect with the seniors impacted, Mainstreet REALTOR® members Carol Moore and Roshaunta Lewis hosted a welcoming event in the Cedar Ridge community room. They served coffee and donuts and — most importantly — announced $500 grants for residents directly or indirectly impacted by the fire. 

These grants are made possible through the Illinois REALTORS® Disaster Relief Foundation, which was established to help neighbors in need during times of crisis. 

“It felt like a reunion,” said Lewis. “Many residents hadn’t seen each other since the fire. They were so grateful for the support and even asked us to check on friends and family who couldn’t attend. It was a powerful reminder that it’s not just about the money — it’s about coming together as a community when people need it most.” 

Realtors also offered guidance on finding new, senior-friendly housing and shared information about township, county and local subsidized housing assistance programs. 

“Only about 1% of Realtors carry the SRES designation, and this is exactly the kind of situation where it makes a real difference,” said Marvin Bornschlegl, chair of Mainstreet REALTORS’® senior services committee. “It shows how we can come together as people and professionals to really help during a time of need.” 

Mainstreet REALTORS® continue to work closely with Cedar Ridge property management to ensure all impacted residents know about the available grants and housing support.  

“This is exactly the kind of work that shows Realtors lead with their hearts,” Gruenberg said.