In 2004, a group of people on the Outer Banks raised money for leukemia research in honor of a local child battling the disease. This family became financially distressed during their crisis and they lost their home. The Relief Foundation was founded to help other local families from facing similar situations. Since that time, the Outer Banks Relief Foundation has provided over $2,129,344 to 1,067 Outer Banks families in need. Financial assistance is given in the form of mortgage or rent payments, utility bill payments and payment of other critical household bills in amounts generally ranging from $500 to $3,000. Some examples of what our clients are facing include cancer, serious blood or nerve disorders, spinal injuries, and multiple sclerosis. We work closely with the other charitable and helping organizations here on the Outer Bank and with regional, state and national organizations to coordinate and maximize support.