The three major charities providing cash assistance announced that they would extend the deadline to schedule new appointments for workers affected by the events of September 11th. The new deadline has been extended from Friday, February 22nd, to Friday, March 8th.

Those who have suffered September 11-related job or income loss and not yet applied for assistance can apply with any one of the three charities - the American Red Cross in Greater New York, Safe Horizon and The Salvation Army - and become eligible for services from all three. Individuals must make an appointment in person by Friday, March 8th at the Disaster Assistance Service Center at 141 Worth Street, Manhattan, to qualify for assistance. The Center is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Appointments will take place over the following weeks until all eligible applicants have been served.

The 9/11 United Services Group (USG) made the announcement as part of an ongoing coordinated plan to transition into the service stage of relief assistance for affected individuals. To be eligible, applicants must be able to show evidence of income, place of work, and the effect of September 11th on income. Non-citizens are eligible for support regardless of immigration status.

Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Mortgage/Rental Assistance deadline is currently March 17th. The FEMA program is designed to provide assistance to qualified applicants after the temporary aid has ended. Affected individuals may apply at the 141 Worth Street or 51 Chambers Street Disaster Assistance Center, or by phone: (1-800-462-9029). Immigration status is relevant to qualify for FEMA assistance.

###

The USG, a not-for-profit organization, is a consortium of 13 New York City human service organizations, including the Asian American Federation, that are working to coordinate assistance to those affected by the events of September 11th. For information or assistance: Safe Horizon September 11th Support Hotline - which is reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - at 866-689-HELP (4357).

The Asian American Federation is a not-for-profit organization with 36 member agencies that serve the diverse Asian American communities in the New York Metropolitan area. The Federation's Relief, Recovery and Rebuilding Initiative was established with major support from the September 11th Fund, the McCormick-Tribune Foundation, and the JP Morgan Chase Foundation to coordinate services and address unmet community needs in the aftermath of September 11th. For more information about the Initiative, visit our website: www.aafny.org.