Disaster-Affected Homeowners Receive Expanded Support From Fannie Mae

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- Fannie Mae issued the following corporate news release:

Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTC) today announced the launch of a supplement to the post-disaster mortgage relief options the company currently offers. Fannie Mae's Disaster Response Network (http://www.fanniemae.com/portal/about-fm/hurricane-relief.html) 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 (https://www.clearpoint.org/porchlight/). 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 KnowYourOptions.com/loanlookup or by calling us directly at 1-800-2FANNIE (1-800-232-6643).