As families, communities, and the nation try to make sense of Tuesday's tragedy, many of us are making unparalleled donations of blood and money, all while trying to grapple with our own chaotic feelings.

The real estate community, through the National Association of Realtors, has established a Housing Relief Fund to assist victims in making mortgage and rent payments. NAR contributed $1 million and is encouraging Realtors nationwide to donate to the pool. Families of all victims will be eligible for assistance. NAR was one of the first organizations to announce an assistance program and a financial commitment.

"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," said NAR President Richard Mendenhall.

Individual Realtors as well as associations, companies, franchises and everyone else can call 1-800-874-6500 to make donations.

The Department of Housing & Urban Development has asked lenders -- both those providing FHA financing and those who offer conventional mortgages -- to delay foreclosure actions for at least 90 days in cases where borrowers have been impacted by the terrorist acts. Lenders in the case of natural disaster routinely offer relief to borrowers.

Also, homeowners can contact HUD's Housing Counseling Clearinghouse (1-800-217-6970), a nationwide referral center for families and individuals, to obtain information regarding housing counseling services available in their area.

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Victims of Crime has set up a phone line to provide assistance information for survivors. Attorney General John Ashcroft said in a press conference Thursday that the department is streamlining the process so victims and their families can receive expedited financial assistance. More information is available at 1-800-331-0075.

Meanwhile, there are numerous ways for everyone to assist the victims and families of those lost in the disaster. As of Thursday at 1 p.m. EST, Amazon.com reported that some $2.36 million in donations had been received from 71,000 visitors to its web site. The money will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

To contribute to the American Red Cross directly, you can call (800) HELP-NOW or visit www.redcross.org. Other agencies and organizations that have funds or collections established include:

• United Way. The United Way of New York and the New York Community Trust have established the September Eleventh Fund, which will provide immediate support to established emergency agencies. Donations may be sent in care of: United Way, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY, 10016, by calling 212-251-4035, or by visiting www.uwnyc.org.

• Salvation Army. Donate by calling (800) SAL-ARMY.

• The International Association of Fire Fighters has established a fund for fire fighter victims and surviving families. Mail donations to: IAFF General Secretary-Treasurer's Office, Attn: New York Fire 9-11 Relief Fund, 1750 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 20006-5395

• The New York Fraternal Order of Police has also established a fund to help police officers and their families affected by the tragedy. Donations can be sent to: 911 Police PLZ, c/o Robert Lucente, Hicksville, NY 11801

• Feed The Children is a nonprofit, Christian, charitable organization providing physical, spiritual, educational, vocational/technical, psychological, economic and medical assistance and other necessary aid to children, families, and people in need in the United States and internationally. Donations can be made through its web site, www.feedthechildren.org or by calling 1-800-525-7575.

• Helping.org. This web site provides vast resources and means to assist victims.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross continues to request blood donations from across the country. Organizers said response over the past two years has been overwhelming and that continued donations are requested, but more specifically in the weeks and months ahead.

In the first 12 hours after the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C. and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, more than 1.8 million people called 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a blood donation appointment. On a normal day, the toll-free line receives 2,000 to 3,000 calls, according to the American Red Cross.

To donate blood, one must be healthy, at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more. The Red Cross is also in desperate need of additional medically trained volunteers to help with the blood collection process. Anyone qualified to help can call 1-800-333-8572.

In the Washington area, there are a number of major blood donation centers. Please call first before going to a facility:

Washington Hospital
110 Irving Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
(near Catholic University) Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, September 14
Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Saturday, September 15
202-877-5250

INOVA Blood Donor Center
INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital
2501 Parker's Lane
Alexandria, VA 22306
Open M-Th 9 a.m. to 7 p.m
. Closed Fridays and weekends
703-664-7229

Likewise, due to the tremendous volume of New York-area blood donations within the first two days of the disaster, the New York Blood Center is urging anyone without an appointment to postpone donating this week. Instead, make a donation over the next several weeks as this crisis unfolds, medical needs evolve and as victims recover and need additional blood. Those interested in making a donation over the next few weeks can call 1-800-933-2566.

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Published: September 14, 2001

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