Deferments asked for mortgages, rents

Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 | 8:39 a.m.

The Culinary Union is asking Las Vegas developers, landlords and mortgage companies to be lenient with tenants who have lost their jobs in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"October rents are due and many of the displaced workers can't afford to pay," said local Culinary Union Staff Director D. Taylor. "Many people have received eviction notices and will become homeless unless they receive help.

"I hope, given the gravity of this situation, landlords and mortgage companies will consider deferring October and possibly November payments and waive any penalties or offer free or reduced rent."

Since the attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., major hotels and other businesses in Las Vegas laid of thousands of workers when visitor volume sharply decreased amid fears of flying.

Taylor said that since the Oct. 3 opening of the Project Helping Hand resource center at the Culinary Union Hall, more than 4,000 people have sought assistance. According to project officials, payment assistance with apartment rentals and home mortgages is the greatest need, Taylor said.

Taylor praised local developers Steven and Irwin Molasky for offering tenants who lost their jobs free rent for October.

Project Helping Hand at 1630 S. Commerce St. is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Other acts of charity to help locals and other Sept. 11 victims that are slated for this weekend: