November 15, 2005 — NeighborWorks America is partnering with Freddie Mac and joining with more than 20 nonprofit organizations throughout the regions hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina to provide online disaster relief for homeowners. Two buses, called the HomeHelp Express, outfitted with computer workstations, Internet connectivity through satellite feed, and hands-on nonprofit counseling assistance will each travel to neighborhoods devastated by Katrina to offer these free resources to homeowners. This initiative is part of Freddie Mac’s Don’t Borrow Trouble campaign.

Artist's drawing of an "ebus"

The "ebuses" will be staffed with housing and financial experts from NeighborWorks America along with local nonprofit staff. Once on board the ebuses, homeowners will be able to access Internet sites that offer a wealth of information about how to cope with the myriad home-related issues that come up after a natural disaster of this magnitude, including anti-predatory lending, fraud prevention, home repair and rebuild guidelines, and more.  Plus, homeowners will be able to get contact numbers for mortgage lenders, as well as referrals to local nonprofit counseling agencies and government offices offering help.