ERA, Where Kindness Creates Ripples

Life for individuals living with disabilities often comes with immense challenges, but even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference. For J.A. Goh, kindness wasn’t a gesture—it was a mission. “If I don’t help him, who will?” he said when asked why he chose to go above and beyond for Jimmy, a disabled individual in need.

This extraordinary story began with a call from Eve, J.A.’s ex-colleague from over 20 years ago, who now resides in the United States. She reached out in desperation, seeking help for her brother Jimmy, who was being evicted from his rented room due to his disability.

A Realtor’s Determination to Make a Difference
Although helping someone secure a room rental wasn’t J.A.’s usual market, he didn’t hesitate. Meeting Jimmy, he quickly realized the urgency of the situation: Jimmy had less than two months to vacate, and his disability had made him unwelcome in his current rental. J.A. evaluated his options and advised Jimmy to explore HDB’s rental scheme, which was far more affordable and would shield him from the stigma often encountered in the private rental market.

But J.A. didn’t stop at advice. He dove into the details of HDB’s rental application process, researching every requirement and walking Jimmy through each step. When they hit roadblocks, J.A. accompanied Jimmy to meet the Member of Parliament to seek support. The MP wrote a letter advocating for Jimmy’s case, but as the eviction date loomed, the process required further follow-ups to ensure progress with HDB.

Determined not to give up, J.A. persisted. He wrote to HDB, followed up with the MP, and even accompanied Jimmy to an HDB interview, finally securing a rental flat just days before Jimmy’s eviction date.

Jimmy and J.A. sharing a smile after securing a home for Jimmy

Kindness in Action
J.A.’s commitment extended beyond securing the rental. Knowing Jimmy’s physical limitations, J.A. personally accompanied him to view the property and interacted with the existing tenants to ensure a smooth transition. To make the new space liveable, J.A. helped Jimmy purchase essentials like a mattress and curtains for privacy, finding creative solutions to overcome restrictions on drilling.

Throughout the journey, J.A. kept Eve updated, earning her profound gratitude. “Living in the US, I wasn’t able to be there to assist my brother, but J.A. graciously stepped in and went above and beyond to make sure he was well taken care of,” she wrote in a heartfelt email. She commended J.A.’s selflessness, saying, “We need more people like J.A. in the real estate industry.”

WhatsApp message of gratitude from Eve to JA

“Kindness Doesn’t Need Recognition”
When asked why he went to such lengths, J.A. simply replied, “Jimmy’s siblings are overseas. He’s all alone in Singapore. If I don’t help him, who will?” He added that his efforts were never about receiving anything in return. “Whether or not someone writes a recommendation, it doesn’t matter. I help because I can.”

Yet, J.A. acknowledges that acts of kindness can often come full circle. He recalls a client he helped 15 years ago who has since referred 13 deals to him. “I don’t expect it, but when it happens, it’s always a pleasant surprise,” he shared.

A Culture of Giving at ERA
ERA is proud to be the first real estate agency to launch an ESG initiative, focusing on creating meaningful social impact and uplifting communities in need. From supporting individuals with disabilities to fostering inclusivity, ERA is committed to making a difference in society.

J.A.’s story reflects a larger culture of generosity at ERA. Last year, when teammates faced personal crises, a call for donations was met with tens of thousands of dollars contributed by agents. The ESG by ERA Committee has consistently sought ways to give back through meaningful actions. ERA has partnered with the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) in various initiatives, such as charity events and fundraisers, to support the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. These efforts reflect ERA’s dedication to creating an inclusive and compassionate society. Looking ahead, ERA is excited to continue these meaningful collaborations to make a positive impact on lives.

For J.A., ERA’s environment of support and kindness aligns with his personal values. “As long as it’s within my means, I’ll always find ways to help,” he says.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness
J.A. Goh’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and community. It reminds us that even in the competitive world of real estate, there’s room for humanity. His unwavering dedication to helping Jimmy wasn’t about closing a deal—it was about making a difference.