RHAF History

Ellen O’Brien, founder and the inspiration of the REALTOR® Housing Assistance Fund (RHAF), has been an active member of both the real estate industry and the St. Louis Association of REALTORS’® for nearly 30 years.  Spanning that time, she has served as a manager for Coldwell Banker Gundaker and has participated on the Association’s Board of Directors, along with other numerous committees.  It was during her reign as President of the Association in 1988, that RHAF was founded.  Through Ellen’s vision and inspiration, RHAF was created as a 501c (3) charitable arm of the Association, to assist homeless programs in the St. Louis area. In her view, this program would be an excellent way for REALTORS® to give back to their community in which they have made their living.  

Today, thanks to Ellen’s leadership and inspiration, RHAF has successfully raised over $425,000 to 40 different homeless programs in the St. Louis area.  However, RHAF’s work is not yet done.  Thousands of people in the St. Louis area are still homeless.  It is Ellen’s goal, along with the RHAF Committee and REALTOR® friends, to continue with their efforts to help make a difference for those in need and to let the communities know that REALTORS® care.