The following is information which I hope will be useful to you as we recover from Hurricane Sandy.

Contact Information

• My District Office: 718-479-2333 / My Albany Office: 518-455-4711
• NYC’s 311 or 211 service
• Hurricane Sandy Helpline for NYS Residents 1-888-769-7243 / 1-518-485-1159
• Outside of New York City, residents can call 211
• For those who use 711 or Relay Services: call 1-888-769-7243
• To Donate Goods or Services: 1-855-NYS-SANDY

Information for Homeowners Restoring their Power and Making Repairs

• The Department of Buildings has a list of helpful documents related to repairs and power restoration: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/news/storm_update.shtml
• This flyer from LIPA, the NYC Department of Buildings, and the Office of Emergency Management contains information on the process for a customer to restore power to their home: http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/2012/lipa_restoring_your_electrical_service.pdf
• The Department of Buildings will waive all application and permit fees for any work done on buildings damaged by the storm.

Federal (FEMA) Disaster Assistance:

• Anyone affected by Sandy – homeowners, renters, and businesses – can apply for federal disaster assistance.
• They can register at http://disasterassistance.gov, by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-3362, or visiting one of our Disaster Assistance Centers.

Shelter in the Cold Weather

• Anyone who needs heat should find shelter, whether at one of our city facilities or with a friend or relative.
• New York City has opened over 200 warming centers across the city to keep warm during the day: http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/warming_ctr.html
• Restoration shelters are available for shelter or relocation assistance. The list of shelters is here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/hurricane_shelters.html
• FEMA is maintaining about 30 Disaster Recovery Shelters throughout New York. The list is available here: http://www.fema.gov/news-release/new-disaster-recovery-centers-open-nassau-orange-counties

Support to Businesses:

• The City's Department of Small Business Services and Economic Development Corporation have put together a package of support for NYC businesses impacted by the storm.
• Emergency low-interest loans of up to $25,000 for businesses that have been interrupted and suffered damage as a result of the storm. Applications are available at any of the City's NYC Business Solutions Centers, by calling 311 and asking for "NYC Business Emergency Loan," or by visiting: http://on.nyc.gov/contactnycbiz.
• For businesses facing significant rebuilding costs, the City will provide sales tax exemptions of up to $100,000 on purchases of materials, equipment and related services needed to rebuild. Learn more here: http://nycedc.com/backtobusiness
• For displaced businesses, the City has identified more than 170,000 square feet that will be made available free of charge, including 40,000 square feet of City space at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, and more than 125,000 square feet of space that private landlords have made available, across the five boroughs. A full listing of commercial spaces and other resources is available at: http://nycedc.com/donations.
• Information on disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is available at any of the City's NYC Business Solutions Centers, by calling 800-659-2955, or by visiting http://sba.gov/disaster.
• Alliance for Coney Island -- a nonprofit organization formed, with the help of the City, to continue the transformation of Coney Island into a year-round, world-class recreational oceanfront destination -- launched http://ConeyRecovers.org, a multipronged relief and recovery effort to help Coney Island residents and businesses dealing with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The Alliance is comprised of all major Coney businesses, and the City has provided them with $630,000 in funding originally allocated to the Coney Island Development Corporation which will wind down operations.

Unclaimed Funds

• Nearly $3 billion in unclaimed funds are waiting to be returned to New Yorkers who reside in areas devastated by Superstorm Sandy.
• New Yorkers can search for funds at www.osc.state.ny.us or calling the unclaimed funds hotline at 1-800-221-9311. There is no fee to claim funds.
• A fact sheet with general information about New York’s unclaimed fund program, go to http://www.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/ouf_factsheet.pdf

General Advice

• Any food – including packaged food – that was touched by flood water should be thrown away. The flood water may contain sewage or other contamination.
• Other items that have been touched by flood water should be cleaned and disinfected. This should be done as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
• Tap water is safe to drink (aside from the Breezy Point restrictions.)
• Do not use generators or grills indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious threat when these devices are used indoors. They should only be used outside and kept away from windows and vents.
• Everyone should have and use battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms. They should test the batteries if possible.
• If someone experiences sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, confusion, weakness or the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, they should immediately seek fresh air and call the poison control center at 212–POISONS (212-764-7667.) They can also call 911, as poisoning is life threatening.
• Important guides on carbon monoxide poisoning and food safety can be found at nyc.gov/health.

Staying Informed

For the latest updates, New Yorkers can:

• Visit NYC.gov
• Follow @nycmayorsoffice Twitter
• Sign up for notifications from Notify NYC

Residents of my district can read more local news on my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AssemblywomanBarbaraClark

NHSNYC Supporting Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc. (NHSNYC) has started the process of supporting relief efforts to the affected areas with emergency repair loans.

At this time, Hurricane Sandy has caused damage to homes and neighborhoods throughout New York City. The damage from this historic storm is extensive. The NHSNYC family thoughts and heartfelt concern are extended to all those who have suffered destruction and devastation to their homes and communities. As New Yorkers, we are known for our determination and working together during difficult times and Neighborhood Housing Services is here to help.

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc. (NHSNYC) has started the process of supporting relief efforts to the affected areas. To further assist with access to critical repairs, NHSNYC will provide direct emergency relief loans. NHSNYC emergency repair loan program will provide loans for the repair or reconstruction of homes damaged by this natural disaster. Restoring homes is essential to begin the recovery to impacted communities and to quickly restore a safe and healthy living environment to residents.

“Our resources are available to help during the difficult process of recovery in New York City neighborhoods,” said Director of Lending and Program Services, Louis Kilkenny, NHSNYC is ready to assist affected residents repair their homes, so they can begin to resume daily activities.”

Loan approvals are typically available within 72 hours from application. Applicants need appropriate documents; such as evidence of homeowner insurance; ownership of the home; their last two pay stubs and an estimate from a licensed and insured contractor. NHSNYC can help to complement state and local response recovery efforts until federal assistance – such as emergency relief funds become available.

NHSNYC CEO, Bernell Grier said, “To help restore vital community infrastructure following this unprecedented and devastating storm, our continued commitment to all of the New York City communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy is unparalleled.”

In the aftermath of the storm, it is important that if you are aware of anyone that may be in need of emergency repairs, please contact Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc. at 212-519-2500. It is expected that the repair needs will be extensive, and NHSNYC will be here to help during that process. We will continue to monitor the situation and inform you of specific initiatives as they develop.

Hurricane Sandy has caused unprecedented damage to homes and neighborhoods throughout New York City. NHSNYC wants New Yorkers to know that we are here to help.

If you need emergency loan assistance, NHSNYC provides emergency home repair loans. Please phone 212-519-2500 or contact one of our offices for more information:

Manhattan

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc.
212-519-2500

NHSNYC NeighborWorks Homeownership Center
718-230-7610

Brooklyn

Neighborhood Housing Services of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc.
718-919-2100

Neighborhood Housing Services of East Flatbush, Inc.
718-469-4679

The Bronx

Neighborhood Housing Services of the North Bronx, Inc.
718-881-1180

Neighborhood Housing Services of the South Bronx, Inc.
718-992-5979

Queens

Neighborhood Housing Services of the Northern Queens, Inc.
718-457-1017

Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc. Here to Help.

Providing Resources to Stabilize New York City Neighborhoods.

Applications for the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program Have Now Become Available

HEAP issues heating benefits to supplement a household’s annual energy cost. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat related energy emergency. Additionally, HEAP offers a heating equipment repair and/or replacement benefit for homeowners with inoperable heating equipment.

For more information on the program, visit: http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/

To apply online or print an application, visit: http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/apply/

Governor Cuomo Announces Major State Banks and Mortgage Servicers Offering Relief for Home Mortgage Borrowers in Aftermath of Sandy Relief includes no foreclosures or late fees for 90 days.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that several major state-chartered banks and mortgage servicers have agreed to offer relief for home mortgage borrowers in the areas affected by Storm Sandy, including, in many cases, no foreclosures and no late fees for 90 days.

State chartered banks providing loan relief efforts include Apple Savings Bank, Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburg, Emigrant Savings Bank, M&T Bank, New York Community Bank, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Hanover Community Bank, among others. State registered mortgage servicers providing loan relief efforts include Citi Mortgage, Homeward Residential, Ocwen Loan Servicing, Nationstar, as well as others.

“Thousands of New Yorkers lost everything, while others are struggling with no electricity and limited ability to travel or communicate. As a result, some people may be late in payments on mortgages or incur other bank fees and penalties. I’m proud to say that major New York State chartered banks and registered mortgage servicers have agreed to waive fees and penalties so borrowers, who are already facing the difficulties and expenses of recovering, won’t have this additional cost. I call on any state chartered banks and mortgage servicers that have not yet provided relief programs to borrowers to follow suit,” Governor Cuomo said.

Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, said, “Too many people have already lost their homes or are facing difficult repairs. We don’t want to add to the problem by having people lose their homes or develop financial problems because they can’t make timely mortgage payments due to the storm. We will continue to work with banks and mortgage servicers to protect those suffering from Sandy.”

Details may vary from institution to institution and borrowers should contact their individual bank or mortgage servicer for specifics. In general, banks and mortgage servicers are working with borrowers who have been harmed as a result of Storm Sandy and offering the following types of relief:

• 90-day postponement of foreclosures and evictions.
• 90-day waiver of late fees on mortgage payments, including online payments.
• In some cases, 90-day or more forbearance on mortgage payments where the borrower has been impacted by the storm and is seeking relief.
• Waiver of interest where a refinancing transaction has been closed, but not funded.
• For borrowers in a trial modification, late payments will not negatively affect such status or prevent the borrowers from obtaining permanent mortgage modifications.
• Banks and servicers will not notify credit bureaus if borrowers make late payments.

Superintendent Lawsky also urged banks and mortgage servicers to reassess the current credit needs of communities to help meet those needs by making sound loans. They should also consider a prudent restructuring of an affected borrower’s debt obligations, by altering or adjusting payment terms.

“Local banks and mortgage servicers can play a major role in helping our communities recover, as they have played a major role in their growth before the storm,” Superintendent Lawsky said. Superintendent Benjamin Lawsky also reminded mortgage servicers that as a result of the order prohibiting the termination, cancellation, or non-renewal of homeowners’ insurance policies for 30 days starting October 26, servicers cannot force place insurance on any homeowner who had insurance in effect as of that date. Since homeowners’ insurance will remain in place, no force-placed insurance is needed to protect the lenders’ interests.

Normally, servicers have a right to buy what is known as force-placed insurance if a homeowner does not maintain the insurance required by the mortgage. This often happens when homeowners fall behind on mortgage payments. Force-placed insurance is typically far more expensive than the coverage purchased by a homeowner, yet often provides far less protection for the homeowner.

Financial institutions seeking additional guidance for assisting customers affected by the impact of Storm Sandy are urged to contact the Department’s Albany office at 518-473-6160.

Sarah Ludwig, Co-Director of NEDAP, an economic justice organization based in New York City, said, “NEDAP commends Governor Cuomo for taking rapid action to get many state banks and mortgage servicers to agree to a 90-day foreclosure reprieve for homeowners in the wake of the hurricane. We hope that all lenders doing business in the state will follow these measures, which are urgently needed to prevent another wave of mortgage distress and foreclosures in New York communities hit by the storm.”

Kirsten Keefe, Senior Attorney, Empire Justice Center, said, “We applaud Governor Cuomo’s quick response and believe it will be a welcome relief to many homeowners impacted by Sandy. When someone suffers damage to their home, or loses income because of a natural disaster such as Sandy, new necessities of life emerge and folks just need a reprieve from their regular financial obligations. Hopefully the three month moratorium and forbearance of payments being offered by the banks will be enough time for most people to get back on their feet. We are also hopeful that this is a first step and that lenders will continue to work beyond the moratorium with the worst impacted homeowners who sustained greater damage or total loss of their homes.”

Governor Cuomo Announces Student Loan Relief for New Yorkers Affected BY Hurricane Sandy

New Yorkers in disaster counties are eligible for 90 day grace period to pay loans

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to grant temporary student loan relief to New Yorkers who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. If requested, New Yorkers in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland Suffolk and Westchester counties are now eligible to receive a 90 day grace period, from October 27th, 2012 to January 25th, 2013, in order to repay their student loan payments. All members of the military who have been called to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy will also be eligible.

“We are working to provide New Yorkers recovering from Hurricane Sandy with as much relief and support as possible,” said Governor Cuomo. “Those who lost homes or are still without power should not be burdened with the added worry of being late on their student loan payments. The grace period we are providing will give these New Yorkers some breathing room to focus on rebuilding and restarting their lives after the storm.”

In addition to the suspension of collections efforts, other actions to assist impacted student loan borrowers will include the suspension or reversal of delinquency or default notifications made by HESC to credit reporting agencies, the suspension of referrals for administrative wage garnishment and the suspension of collections calls to federal student loan borrowers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut who are delinquent in their federal student loan payments.

“More than 80 percent of our borrowers with delinquent or defaulted student loans reside in and around the New York City metropolitan area,” said Elsa Magee, Acting President of HESC. “This is another component of the Governor’s overall effort to assist those who have been adversely impacted by Sandy.”

Borrowers should contact HESC to request a temporary suspension by calling 1-866-991-HESC (4372) or by emailing Dept736@hesc.ny.gov. A specific option has been added to the toll free number for Sandy victims.