WASHINTON, DC -- The nation’s home builders raised nearly $9 million in less than a week for the Home Builders Care Victim’s Relief Fund, which was established to assist victims of terrorism, including the rescue workers and other victims of the September 11th attacks on America. Among the contributors are seven major publicly owned home building firms, each of which has contributed $1 million. The companies are Beazer Homes, Centex Corp., Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Lennar Corp., M.D.C. Holdings, Inc./Richmond American Homes, Pulte Homes, Inc. and Toll Brothers, Inc.

In addition, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has contributed $250,000 and the National Housing Endowment, its philanthropic arm, has contributed another $125,000. Staff members at NAHB have also contributed more than $60,000 individually and several other builders have pledged contributions of $250,000 or more. The money will be earmarked for nationally recognized funds that provide direct assistance to fire fighters, police officers and other victims of the terrorist attacks.