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Manhattan Beach, C.A., April 24, 2018 — The housing crisis is a growing issue, not just for the United States but for the world. Giveback Homes, real estate’s social good movement, today names Maria Rocha, Realtor at Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota in Sarasota, Florida as a 2018 Advocate for Social Good. This distinction is given to prominent individuals within the real estate community who have demonstrated their commitment to giving back and pursuing the goal of safe and secure housing for all, and are eager to do more. “We started Giveback Homes because we saw the opportunity to bring a focus on social good to real estate,” said Blake Andrews, founder of Giveback Homes. “Through the years, we’ve found a tribe of real estate professionals who are going above and beyond in their communities and the world and the Giveback Homes Advocate program will aim to mobilize them even more. They will also help shape the future of Giveback Homes.” The Advocate program is a select group of Giveback Homes members who each had to apply by describing what the future of Giveback Homes looked like to them. Some of their answers included, educational seminars about home ownership, meeting with Congress, referral programs, and partnering with more non-profits. The Advocates are dedicated to amplifying Giveback Homes initiatives, promoting new membership opportunities, and leading initiatives in their community. The Advocates will meet once a quarter to strategize on social good projects and mobilize other industry professionals through their engagement. Maria was born in Bogota, Colombia and moved to the United States in the early 1980s. A graduate student from the University of Florida she received a M.A. Maria has been an area resident in Sarasota, Florida for more than 25 years. She holds multiple professional designations and was voted by her peers, associates and staff as the Keller Williams On The Water Sarasota's 2016 and 2017 Cultural Icon and the Cultural Ambassador for 2017 and 2018. Maria is a Giveback Homes member and recently participated in Sarasota's first build day with Giveback Homes. “The mission of Giveback Homes is close to my heart,” said Maria. “I believe that housing is a fundamental human right and I’m excited to help grow the Giveback Homes cause.” "Maria stepped up and rallied her brokerage to join the Giveback Homes movement and fundraise for Build Days,” said Caroline Pinal, co-founder of Giveback Homes. "We are so excited to have her as one of our Advocates.” Giveback Homes mobilizes the real estate industry to provide safe homes and clean water to families in need. Giveback Homes has provided safe and secure homes for over 200 families in Nicaragua, 50 affordable housing projects in the U.S., and water filters to give over 5,000 people access to clean drinking water. The company has mobilized funds for times of crisis in the wake of hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Through volunteer experiences, fundraising events, and impact reporting, Giveback Homes empowers the real estate community to take an active role in making the world a better place. To learn more, please visit GivebackHomes.com. About Giveback Homes Giveback Homes is dedicated to creating a sustainable relationship between real estate professionals, their clients, and communities in need throughout the world. Their goal is to create social change through the act of buying or selling a home. Through fundraising events, build days, and international trips they are dedicated to inspiring the real estate industry to take action for social good. Together with their giving partners, Giveback Homes has funded and built over 200 homes for families in need in Nicaragua. To learn more about Giveback Homes and join the movement for social good, please visit www.givebackhomes.com.