MBA Offers Hurricane Harvey Services, Resources
The Mortgage Bankers Association has prepared numerous resources for homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Harvey.
The storm, which made landfall as a Stage 4 hurricane on the Texas Gulf Coast last weekend and reformed as a tropical storm that made landfall in Lousiana earlier this week, has caused extensive flooding and damage in Houston and Harris County, Texas, and is attributed to more than a dozen deaths. Property damage estimates could range in the billions of dollars.
In an effort to aid in the recovery effort, MBA has made a $100,000 direct donation to the American Red Cross.
“With so many homes underwater, it’s important for our communities to know they can count on the mortgage banking industry in times of need,” said MBA President and CEO David Stevens, CMB, who urged MBA members to make donations to the Red Cross, Houston Habitat for Humanity ( www.houstonhabitat.org) and Rebuilding Together Houston (http://www.rebuildinghouston.org).
“With four out of five homes in Harris County lacking flood insurance, the need will be great in the coming weeks and months, as families struggle to rebuild their lives,” Stevens said.
MBA has set also established a webpage (www.mba.org/harvey) for those affected by Hurricane Harvey with contact information for servicers and other relevant agencies, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
Additionally, in an MBA video public service announcement, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnEAQN710sE&feature=em-uploademail), MBA Associate Regulatory Counsel Sara Singhas details initial steps homeowners and renters can take once they are safe and as they begin to recover from Hurricane Harvey.
“The entire mortgage industry is working around the clock to identify homeowners in the affected areas who are in need of assistance or who have questions about their property, payment status or loans,” Stevens said. “We are encouraging any homeowner who is unsure of their situation to immediately contact their lender or servicer as well as their hazard or homeowners insurance provider.”
