WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and Charles Melancon (D-LA) introduced legislation today that would help keep people in their homes in the wake of a federally declared disaster, such as a hurricane or terrorist attack.  The Mortgage and Rental Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 5685) would provide temporary mortgage or rental financial assistance to homeowners and renters who lost a job or part of their income as a result of a disaster.

“Most people would struggle to pay their mortgage or rent without a job or steady income,” said Rep. Maloney.  “Our government has a responsibility to help communities recover from unpredictable disasters and help citizens stay in their homes.  The MRA program helps provide stability to homeowners and renters after a disaster.  This important program should be reauthorized.”

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, individuals who required temporary housing assistance relied upon the Mortgage and Rental Assistance (MRA) Act for aid.  Under the MRA program, many homeowners and renters were eligible for grants to repair homes to a habitable condition, or to obtain mortgage or rental payment assistance to prevent foreclosures or evictions.  The MRA was discontinued by the Disaster Mitigation Act in May 2002. 

“The MRA program provided crucial assistance to victims of the Sept. 11th attack in my home state of New York.  Unfortunately, the MRA was not available to the victims of Hurricane Katrina,” continued Rep. Maloney.  “Many Gulf Coast residents would have benefitted from the MRA’s mortgage or rental assistance.  The lack of MRA assistance was detrimental to the Gulf Coast recovery process.”

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