The Illinois REALTORS® Relief Foundation donated $30,000 to assist residents in Coles and Effingham counties affected by the June 17 tornadoes. 

Charleston in Coles County and the Village of Montrose in Effingham County sustained the most damage as seven tornadoes moved through central Illinois. It is estimated that approximately 1,000 homes have storm damage, while some will have to be demolished or rebuilt. 

“Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this year’s severe weather and faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives after these devastating storms,” said Illinois REALTORS® CEO Jeff Baker. “The Illinois REALTORS® Relief Foundation was built for moments like this so that we could step up, support our neighbors and provide immediate, meaningful assistance when they need it most. We are trying to ensure our neighbors don’t have to face the recovery process alone.” 

Illinois has broken its record of tornadoes in a year, with almost 200 tornadoes reported so far in 2026. IRRF has already donated $35,000 for Kankakee and another $25,000 for Stephenson and Winnebago counties to help with tornado damage sustained in April. 

Two more relief efforts are currently active and taking applications: one for victims of the April tornadoes in McLean County and another for June tornadoes in LaSalle County.