#United States #Los Angeles #C.A.R. #Dawn Dyer #Tammey Mai

California REALTORS® Honored for Community Impact

The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) has recently awarded its prestigious Champions of Home Impact Award to three outstanding individuals committed to significantly improving their communities. Among them, Dawn Dyer emerged as the winner, with Tammey Mai and Laura Margulius recognized as honorees. This accolade honors REALTORS® making substantial contributions to local society through various volunteer efforts.

Dawn Dyer, the recipient of this year's top award, co-founded the Housing Trust Fund of Ventura County (HTFVC) 17 years ago, focusing on enhancing the availability of affordable housing options in the region. Under her insightful leadership, HTFVC has made groundbreaking strides, beginning with an initial $2 million offering for affordable housing development. This funding has served as a vital catalyst for pre-development efforts, allowing effective planning and execution of projects aimed at accommodating those in need. Currently, Dyer plays a crucial role in overseeing a remarkable growth in HTFVC's funding capacity, now exceeding $48 million. These funds have been instrumental in producing 1,900 homes, benefitting roughly 5,000 members of the community, including low-income employees, veterans, transitional age foster youth, seniors, farm workers, and unhoused individuals.

Moreover, Dyer has actively engaged with community stakeholders, bridging cooperation between local governments and established organizations to advance the cause of affordable housing. Her initiatives have enabled significant developments, such as the transformation of nearly 10 acres near the Veterans Home in Ventura into affordable housing supported by essential services. Additionally, her guidance has supported the University of California Regents in their sustainable housing planning efforts on a dedicated 37-acre site.

Post the devastating Thomas Fire in December 2017, Dyer stepped forward to assist displaced residents by leading the housing resource center, advocating against price gouging, and facilitating shelter options. Currently serving as the chair of the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance, she is actively involved in providing comprehensive support, healthcare, and housing for those without permanent residences.

Thanks to her unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy, the Housing Trust Fund of Ventura County is set to receive an additional $5,000 donation, further empowering its mission.

Honorees Showcasing Community Spirit

Alongside Dyer, Tammey Mai and Laura Margulius have also been acknowledged for their remarkable community contributions. Each honoree's corresponding nonprofit organizations will receive a donation of $1,000 as part of this recognition.

Tammey Mai, having once been a foster child herself, co-founded the nonprofit Tidings for Teens (T4T) in Santa Clarita. This organization aims to provide essential resources for foster teenagers, offering clothing, support training, peer counseling, and skills development necessary for a successful transition into independence. T4T actively organizes events such as a holiday gift drive and back-to-school shopping sprees at local stores, aiming to uplift foster teens and provide them opportunities for acquiring necessary items. Mai coordinates with the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to expand T4T’s reach and personally mentors each teen, imparting critical skills like networking, public speaking, and fundraising.

Meanwhile, Laura Margulius is devotedly volunteering with the Capoeira Arts Foundation, a cultural organization catering to Afro-Brazilian heritage in East Bay. Over the past year and a half, Margulius has dedicated more than 1,200 hours to various initiatives, including providing translation services, nurturing the community center, organizing meal services, and offering temporary housing assistance to those in need. Her contributions have been central in securing new spaces for the cultural center and ensuring its ongoing operational needs.

Margulius's efforts have positively impacted over 4,000 people, offering them a sense of belonging, community, and connection to their cultural roots.

The winners were celebrated during C.A.R.'s annual REimagine! Conference & Expo, which took place in Chula Vista on September 17. This event highlights exemplary individuals who are making significant strides in fostering community spirit and providing support where it is most needed.

For further insights and information regarding the Champions of Home Impact Awards, interested individuals can visit the C.A.R. website at on.car.org/awards. With nearly 200,000 members dedicated to promoting professionalism in real estate, the California Association of REALTORS® continues to lead the way in fostering positive change and meaningful contributions to society in California.