Disaster relief is quickly reaching monumental proportions. In an unprecedented show of support and unity from across the nation, cities, organizations and individuals are donating resources to help the victims and rescuers involved in the terrorist attack in New York City.

Critical to easing emotional and financial stress is help with mortgages so that families who have lost a loved one don't fall into additional financial despair.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez says that he will direct all FHA-approved lenders to provide relief to families with FHA insured mortgages affected by the recent terrorist attacks. He has also asked that all major mortgage lenders, including those that are not insured by FHA, refrain from starting or threatening foreclosure on affected families homes for at least 90 days, while the families are recovering from the financial problems caused by the loss of a family member. HUD's Government National Mortgage Association, Ginnie Mae, is also being asked to follow homeowner relief guidelines, and ask its lenders to comply by advancing payments to Ginnie Mae securities investors that a lender otherwise makes from homeowner mortgage payments.

"This extraordinary period requires all of us to go the extra mile and a little beyond," said HUD Secretary Mel Martinez. "It is apparent that these families are going through an overwhelming experience. Adding the potential loss of a home, the foundation of many American families, to that stress can be averted with the help of lenders."

HUD's assistance to victims also includes a housing counseling services hotline -1-800-217-6970 and temporary housing in vacant HUD-owned multi- and single family homes, as well as a request that local housing authorities provide counseling to citizens.

The Realtors Housing Relief Fund

The National Association of Realtors announced last week that it is launching the Realtors Housing Relief Fund, with a pledge of $1 million. The fund's goal is to provide mortgage relief to the impact victims and rescuers families so that their mortgages and rent payments do not reach default during this stressful time. The NAR urges Realtors and all citizens to contribute.

The first to answer NAR's request for contributions was the Houston Association of Realtors, with a contribution of $10,000 to the Realtors® Housing Relief Fund

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and families of this horrific crime that has been committed against the citizens of the United States," said HAR Chairman Todd Mason. "We hope this fund can provide some relief to those families who may find themselves in financial turmoil due to the loss of a loved one."

The California Association of REALTORS® is providing an initial donation of $25,000 to the REALTORS® Housing Relief Fund.

"The experience this past Tuesday was a devastating tragedy to our nation," said C.A.R. President Gary Thomas. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all the friends and families affected by this disaster."

NAR spokesperson Steve Cook says that with the addition of a Web site ready to take online contributions by credit card, that contributions could reach well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.