Serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties

Southwest Michigan Volunteers

Serving Allegan, Berrien, Cass, & Van Buren Counties

REALTORS® Do Make the Difference

The members of the Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® actively give back to their communities and take great pride in finding and funding solutions that make Southwestern Michigan a better place to live, work, and play.

Placemaking Program and Grants

Placemaking is a way to transform unused and underutilized sites in Southwestern Michigan into welcoming destinations accessible to everyone.

The Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® has received many placemaking grants from the National Association of REALTORS® to help our communities plan, organize, implement, and maintain these types of placemaking activities. Some of the placemaking grants we have received have been used to build a dog park, fund a tree-carving project, install trail markers and benches in a nature preserve, create a lakeside gathering space, and many more.

Suitcases for Kids

The Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® has partnered with Suitcases for Kids for more than a decade to benefit foster children under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Human Services in Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass counties.

Because many children have very little or no personal items they can take with them when they are moved into foster care, new backpacks, clothing, and personal healthcare items make a huge impact during these truly life-altering times. The Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® helps by fundraising and contributing items, such as new duffels bags and personal care items to Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass county foster care organizations every year.

Volunteering Activities

The Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® hosts and participates in a multitude of volunteer activities throughout the year, including Adopt-a-Beach cleanups, Habitat for Humanity builds, and so much more.