Builders, Realtors and remodelers are pouring millions into relief funds for the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Builders

Home builders have raised nearly $9 million for the Home Builders Care Victims' Relief Fund, says the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB.) The fund was established to assist victims of terrorism, including the rescue workers and other victims of the September 11 attacks on America.

"Our industry's response to this national tragedy, particularly from our largest builders, has been nothing short of remarkable," said Bruce Smith, president of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a builder from Walnut Creek, Calif, on Thursday, October 3, 2001."The tally is approaching $9 million, and the campaign has been underway for less than a week."

The NAHB reports that contributions have come in from across the nation, including seven publicly-owned home building firms that have contributed $1 million each. They are Beazer Homes; Centex Corp.; Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.; Lennar Corp.; M.D.C. Holdings, Inc./Richmond American Homes; Pulte Homes, Inc.; and Toll Brothers, Inc. Several other builders have pledged contributions of $250,000 or more.

The NAHB says it has contributed $250,000, and through the National Housing Endowment, its philanthropic arm, has contributed another $125,000. Staff members at NAHB are also contributing individually, tallying more than $60,000.

Realtors

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that The Realtors® Housing Relief Fund, also established after the terrorist attacks, has raised more than $4.3 million and counting. The NAR fund is earmarked to help the families of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks pay housing costs.

"I am very proud to say that Realtors have responded," says NAR president Richard A. Mendenhall. "Realtors have been truly magnificent is supporting the commitment that no victim’s family will lose the place they call home as a result of this American tragedy.”

Still processing pledges, the NAR says that as of Friday, September 28, the trade organization had received and is processing checks totaling $200,745 for the first 47 approved applications for the Realtors® Housing Relief Fund.

"Immediate families or households of deceased or missing victims of the attacks, including those in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, passengers and airline employees on the four airliners, and emergency, fire and police personnel are eligible for assistance," explains Steve Cook, spokesperson for the NAR. "Recipients must be U.S. citizens or legally admitted residents of the United States.

The funds are being distributed through state Realtor® associations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Remodelers

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has just launched the NARI Relief Effort established to donate both money and man-hours toward the devastated areas along the east coast.

NARI is composed of remodeling contractors, associated vendors and suppliers, as well as national members whose business is related to the remodeling and home improvement industry. NARI kicked off its support with a $1,000 donation.

"We may not be able to assist with the actual clean-up or search and rescue efforts, but NARI members can still make a difference," said NARI president Tony LaPelusa. "Our members are remodelers by trade and therefore its natural for NARI to make this commitment to help rebuild our country in any way that we can."

NARI chapters in the New York area are organizing volunteer remodeling and restoration services to companies at "ground zero" that have been damaged as a result of the attack on the World Trade Centers. Specifically, money collected will be earmarked for either the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or the New York Police & Fire Widow's & Children's Benefit Fund.

LaPelusa explains, "This is a long-term effort which will require not only the immediate assistance so desperately needed in the affected areas, but also ongoing support so that the process of rebuilding can continue in the months to come."

Editor's note: Contributions by readers can be made the following ways:

Home Builders Care Victims' Relief Fund - Call Alyson Austin, NAHB Public Affairs, 202-266-8447.

Contributions should be made payable to the Home Builders Care Victims' Relief Fund, The National Housing Endowment,1201 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

The Realtors® Housing Relief Fund - Call 1/800/874-6500 or visit the fund’s web site at relief.realtor.org for more information. Checks or money orders made payable to the Realtors® Housing Relief Fund, c/o National Association of Realtors®, 430 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Donations also can be made by credit card. No cash can be accepted. All contributions to the fund will be tax deductible and every penny will be spent to help the victims’ families, says the NAR.

NARI Relief Effort - Call 800-611-NARI (6274.) Make checks payable to one of the following (donor's choice):

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

New York Police & Fire Widow's and Children's Benefit Fund

Please send all donations in care of the following: NARI Relief Effort, 780 Lee Street, Ste.200, Des Plaines, IL 60016.