The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS has established the REALTORS Housing Relief Fund to help pay the mortgage and rental costs of the families devastated by yesterday's terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.

NAR President Richard Mendenhall urged REALTORS nationwide to contribute to the fund. NAR will make an initial contribution of $1 million to open the fund. Families of victims of yesterday's tragedies, including fire and emergency personnel, will be eligible for assistance to help offset the costs of mortgage payments and rents.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the innocent victims of these terrible acts of terror and to the brave fire, law enforcement, and emergency personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty," he said.

Mendenhall noted that thousands of families of yesterday's victims who own homes may lack insurance and might lose their homes without outside assistance. Other victims' families who rent may not be able to meet future rental costs without help. "Our hope is that none of the families of these victims, who are dealing with a tremendous emotional loss, will also have to suffer the trauma of losing their homes as a result of this terrorist attack."

"The REALTORS Housing Relief Fund is one way that REALTORS nationwide can contribute directly to help those in greatest need," Mendenhall said.

"Today I am asking Americans everywhere, especially members of our REALTOR family, to open their hearts and take a stand against this attack on our national security. Let's demonstrate our commitment to help those who have suffered most. No victim's family should find itself in the position of having to lose their home because of the loss they have suffered," Mendenhall said.

Credit card donations can be accepted online at relief.realtor.org, or donations can be pledged by phone at 800/874-6500.