DOYLESTOWN, Pa., Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Only three weeks remain for
victims of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) to
register to apply for benefits from the FEMA Mortgage and Rental Assistance
(MRA) Program. After January 31, no registrations will be accepted.
    Susan Bizon, Director of the PA September 11 Victim Assistance Program for
the State of Pennsylvania, stressed the need for victims to call FEMA on or
before January 31. "Even if people are unsure whether they qualify for
assistance, they should call FEMA now at 1-800-621-3362 to register and
receive a packet of information. If they have any questions about eligibility
or the application, register first, then call us on the PA September 11
hotline, 1-866-328-2800. Although FEMA makes the final decision on
eligibility, we have trained professionals ready to help applicants prepare
the paperwork at no charge."
    Many households have qualified for FEMA's Mortgage and Rental Program to
date. But many more victims may be eligible for benefits who have not applied.
The program's objective is to help those with rent or mortgage payments who
are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the WTC attacks.
    The eligible who are directly affected may include family members of the
deceased, those physically and/or mentally injured in the attacks, owners and
employees of businesses in the WTC area, et al. Eligibility criteria include
the loss of at least 25% of total household income after September 11, an
inability to make rent or mortgage payments, and/or impending eviction or
foreclosure because of loss of income.
    The program may provide up to 18 months of assistance for qualified
applicants, so those obtaining a registration number by the January 31
deadline may qualify for benefits well into 2004.
    "Disaster assistance, such as the MRA program, is intended to help
families recover from the devastating effects of the attack on the World Trade
Center," said Bizon. "Directly affected Pennsylvania residents looking for
help with their rent or mortgage payments must call FEMA no later than January
31 at 1-800-621-3362 to register. We urge those needing assistance to call
FEMA now ... then call us for additional support at 1-866-328-2800. The
deadline will not be extended."

    Since 1974, NOVA has been helping survivors of crime and their families in
Bucks County, PA. In addition to 24-hour counseling, mediation, and advocacy
services, NOVA forms and trains crisis response teams to respond to incidents
of mass violence. Following the terrorist attacks, NOVA was selected by the
State of Pennsylvania to provide support via the PA September 11 Victim
Assistance Program to all residents of the State who were directly affected or
who had immediate family members who were directly affected by the terrorist
destruction.

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