T
he National Association of REALTORS' 2026 extended leadership team wrapped up a week of planning by doing what they do best: helping people start fresh in a new home. They partnered with A Safe Haven Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit that helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness transition into permanent housing.

    Together, they packed 48 "welcome" laundry baskets filled with essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, cooking utensils, and sponges to help these individuals settle in with dignity. The baskets are more than just practical gifts; they enable people to allocate their limited resources towards rent, utilities, and other essential expenses.

    NAR leadership team members also handwrote letters of encouragement to accompany each gift basket, adding a personal touch to the gesture. This activity was chosen as a meaningful way to usher in NAR President-Elect Kevin Brown's presidential term, which begins at the end of NAR NXT in November.

    The baskets will directly impact vulnerable members of the northwest Indiana and Chicago communities, where NAR is headquartered. CEO Nykia Wright notes that "REALTORS Are Good Neighbors" is more than just a tagline; it's a fact. NAR members give back to their communities through various service activities, making a remarkable impact in the places they live and work.

    As the largest trade association protecting property owners' rights, NAR is committed to increasing access to affordable housing. They support this goal by backing policies that increase housing availability and affordability, recognizing that real estate professionals are uniquely positioned to advocate for affordable housing solutions in their communities.