Roughly 230 students attending District 211 high schools this year are homeless: Realtors Against Homelessness are teaming up once again with the D211 Foundation to help them.

October 3, 2019 (VPPR) – Palatine, IL. Northwest suburban-based REALTORS® Against Homelessness (RAH) are hosting their 9th annual fundraiser to assist homeless District 211 (D211) students. The event will take place Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Stonegate Banquet Center, 2401 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates.
There are more than 230 homeless students this year attending one of the D211 high schools who are homeless. High schools include Palatine, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Conant–as well as Higgins Education Center and North Campus, both of which are alternative high schools. Students who are homeless lack a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence, are sharing housing with others due to the loss of a home, or are unable to live in their homes and are forced to find alternate shelter, according to federal guidelines.
Since its inception in 2011, more than $300,000 has been raised by RAH, which was founded by ten northwest suburban realtors who had become aware of the growing number of area homeless high school students. The group banned together with a goal to raise funds, in order to provide a variety of supports for these young people–who despite their dire circumstances–continue to attend their respective high schools to receive their education.

RAH Chair Cindy Eich warmly invites area residents to come out and support this important cause, while enjoying a night of musical entertainment, fun, food and cocktails, and exciting silent/live auctions.

“We are thrilled that our evening’s entertainment will be provided by Riley Elmore from the popular show, ‘The Voice’. Additionally, we have terrific silent and live auction items–including amazing group trips, as well as a one week stay in Naples, Florida, a Blackhawks package, and so much more!” Eich said.

Funds raised by RAH are donated directly to the D211 Foundation and provide the opportunity for D211 counselors to request a variety of items and supports for students who are identified as homeless. Assistance provided includes gas cards for young people staying outside the school district who need transportation assistance to get to school, as well as grocery gift cards, school supplies, funds to cover activity fees, clothing, and other personal needs.

“One of the most heartwarming things is when we can assist families in staying together; this is something that can be quite challenging when an entire family becomes homeless,” Eich said. “Funds raised by RAH can be utilized on a temporary, emergency basis to help people stay in their homes, if at all possible.”

Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a drink ticket and the opportunity to help positively change the lives of a homeless high school students. Those purchased prior to Thursday, October 31 are $50; the price goes up to $60 after that date. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please visit RAH211.com to purchase tickets and for more information about sponsorships.