Disaster-Affected Homeowners Receive Expanded Support from Fannie Mae

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Nov 15, 2018, 11:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (OTC Bulletin Board: FNMA) today announced the launch of a supplement to the post-disaster mortgage relief options the company currently offers. Fannie Mae's Disaster Response Network™ is a comprehensive case-management service for disaster-affected homeowners whose mortgage loans are backed by the company. The program provides homeowners broader personalized support to address safety and basic needs, property repairs, employment, and financial recovery—all of which affect a borrower's ability to meet their mortgage obligations.

"Communities face extraordinary challenges dealing with the impacts of a natural disaster," says Michael T. Hernandez, Vice President Disaster Recovery & Rebuild, Fannie Mae. "For homeowners, the process can be complex, stressful, and time-consuming. We want to help families regain their personal and financial footing beginning with mortgage relief, but also by helping more broadly to ensure a successful recovery."

The Disaster Response Network is operated by Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions through their Project Porchlight program. Utilizing a call-center model, staffed exclusively by HUD-certified counselors within the United States, the Disaster Response network will help homeowners navigate the challenging and unfamiliar post-disaster recovery process and will include:

A comprehensive case assessment and action plan designed to meet the homeowner's needs.
Assistance in filing FEMA, insurance, and Small Business Administration (SBA) claims as well as providing additional referrals and resources for disaster recovery and resiliency.
Tri-party calls with assistance providers and homeowners, plus ongoing counselor-homeowner check-ins to help ensure a successful recovery.
A web-based platform designed to educate borrowers, provide resources and updates, and create a supportive online community of neighbors facing similar challenges.

Homeowners with a Fannie Mae-owned loan whose property is in a FEMA-declared zone are eligible for free assistance from the Disaster Response Network. If the home was not damaged, but the borrower's employment/income was negatively affected, they are still eligible for the program.

Homeowners may access the program in one of the following ways:

Mortgage servicers or Fannie Mae's Mortgage Help Network may refer disaster-affected Fannie Mae homeowners to the Disaster Response Network.
Homeowners can see if Fannie Mae owns their loan and request help by visiting the Loan Lookup Tool at www.KnowYourOptions.com/loanlookup or by calling us directly at 1-800-2FANNIE (1-800-232-6643).

Fannie Mae helps make the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and affordable rental housing possible for millions of Americans. We partner with lenders to create housing opportunities for families across the country. We are driving positive changes in housing finance to make the home buying process easier, while reducing costs and risk. To learn more, visit fanniemae.com and follow us on twitter.com/fanniemae.

SOURCE Fannie Mae