Homeless Student at D211 Assisted by Realtors Against Homelessness (R.A.H.)

In 2011, a group of area realtors joined forces to combat an issue that affects one of the most basic human needs: housing. Realtors Against Homelessness (R.A.H.) formed to provide assistance to District 211 Township High School students who are classified as homeless, and face a range of unseen challenges.

According to D211 Superintendent Dan Cates, the last school year ended with approximately 200 students who were homeless; 170 students have been documented as homeless since the school year began. Officials predict the number of homeless students attending one of the seven District 211 high schools – which include Palatine, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Conant, Schaumburg and two alternative high schools - will again exceed 200 by the end of the school year. Given that families often do not report homelessness due to shame or embarrassment, the actual number of homeless students is suspected to be even higher.

The homeless classification comes from the federal government, and includes an array of living situations that all result in the same experience: these young people do not have a stable place to call home. Many times these students live in shelters, stay at a friend’s house, or even sleep in vehicles.

R.A.H. chose to do something proactive to address the problem. The organization, which is an affiliate of the D211 Foundation (a 501(c)(3)), has held fundraisers for the past three years to provide a number of immediate supports to homeless students and their families.

To date, more than $50,000 has been raised by R.A.H., and all proceeds from the events are donated to District 211. The money is then allocated to school social workers who work directly with the students.

The 4th annual R.A.H. Fundraiser will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2014 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Chandler’s Banquets, 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg.

The event will include an appetizer buffet, desserts, cash bar, raffles, a silent and live auction, and entertainment. Tickets are $40 and all are encouraged to attend to support this very worthy cause.

For more information, or to purchase your ticket online, visit www.RAH211.com or call Cindy Eich at 847-255-1000.

About R.A.H. and its Founders:

Realtors Against Homelessness (R.A.H.) was founded in August of 2011 by ten local realtors who work for a variety of area real estate offices. They joined together with a mission to provide support to the growing number of homeless students attending District 211 schools. By increasing awareness and fundraising efforts, R.A.H. has been able to positively impact the lives of homeless students.

Homeless Designation from the Federal Government:

According to federal laws, students are considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, share housing with other persons due to housing loss resulting from economic hardship, or if they are unaccompanied youth, including students who are unable to live in their home and are forced to find alternate shelter.

R.A.H. Founding members include:

• Gail Bergstrom
• Sandie Boxleitner Bobus
• Maureen Brand
• Cindy Eich
• Marty Eich
• Sue Gould
• Maria Radwan
• Greg Smith
• Stephanie Szigetvari
• Basel Tarabein