Q: Who is paying for this program?

A: The mold treatment program is paid for through the donations to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, the American Red Cross and the Robin Hood Foundation, is administered by Neighborhood Revitalization NYC, an affiliate of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and run by Local Initiative Support Coalition (LISC), an external nonprofit intermediary.

The trainings are paid for by the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and led by CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Public Health, in coordination with the City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Q: How can I sign up for this mold cleaning program?

A: Neighborhood Revitalization NYC (NRNYC) targets the neediest families for this limited program (defined by condition of the property and household income). Eligible homeowners can register by calling 1-855-740-MOLD (6653) or 311 for more information.

Anyone may also attend any of the free mold awareness and mold cleaning training sessions in your community to learn how to do mold treatment safely and receive a free mold cleaning kit. In most cases, mold can be removed from hard surfaces by a thorough cleaning with basic commercial products and using proper safety equipment.

Q: When will the work begin?

A: Over the next few weeks, LISC will identify and contact homeowners to set up appointments. Assessments done by environmental professionals will begin on homes shortly thereafter, followed by mold removal work.

Q: Why doesn't FEMA pay for an extensive mold program?

A: FEMA has partnered with the City to create the first-of-its-kind NYC Rapid Repairs program, which has restored heat, hot water and power to more than 14,000 private homes at no cost to homeowners. FEMA has agreed to reimburse the City for the cost of these repairs. However, FEMA will not reimburse the City for mold treatment in private homes. Homeowners can use their insurance or Individual Assistance (IA) to hire professional contractors to clean mold, if they so choose.

Q: How can I learn more about cleaning mold in my home?

A: The City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has provided extensive guidance on mold removal and safe cleaning practices for homeowners as they recover from Sandy. This information can be found on the Sandy Health Portal at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/em/html/repairs/mold.shtml.