WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As recovery continues across Puerto Rico, Navient (Nasdaq:NAVI) and its philanthropic arm, Navient Foundation, today announced ongoing support to island residents working to restore their lives, homes and communities. Navient is providing temporary payment relief options for student loan customers in the affected areas. In addition, the Navient Foundation has provided a $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity.
“In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, we know many people on the island still have a long path of recovery and rebuilding ahead,” said John Kane, group president of business processing solutions at Navient. “We are proud to contribute our support during this great time of need to help our customers, employees and fellow citizens.”
Since the hurricanes, Navient has so far provided temporary payment relief to about 20,000 federal and private student loan customers in Puerto Rico. Disaster relief forbearance is available to help customers who understandably can’t make their normal payment. Navient proactively provided information about relief options to customers in the affected zip codes. Customers may log into their accounts online or call 888-272-5543 to talk to a specialist. Navient also understands affected customers may be unable to make contact, and automatically processes the relief to keeps loans in good standing.
The island is home to approximately 400 island residents who support the work of Gila, a Navient company, on behalf of the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority and Metropistas. Gila is the AutoExpreso toll program operator on the island with main offices located in Guaynabo. Immediately following Hurricane Maria, Navient delivered water filtration units, medical supplies, satellite phones, generators, dry goods and many other critical supplies to support AutoExpreso program recovery.
In addition, Navient Foundation has donated $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat Hammers Back initiative to help support those in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria. Navient’s contribution supports Habitat’s 2,000 repair kits containing supplies and tools to help families in Puerto Rico make necessary home repairs. The company also expanded its Navient Neighbors program, which allows employees to volunteer up to 48 work hours of community service on paid work time to charitable causes.
Habitat’s disaster response efforts include community stabilization and long-term recovery. Those who would also like to help people affected by the disaster can donate to Habitat for Humanity. They can visit habitat.org and designate their donation to “2017 Hurricane Response” or by calling 1-800-HABITAT (422-4828).
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About Navient
Navient (Nasdaq:NAVI) is a leading provider of asset management and business processing solutions for education, healthcare, and government clients at the federal, state and local levels. The company helps its clients and millions of Americans achieve financial success through services and support. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Navient employs team members in western New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and other locations. Learn more at navient.com.
Contact:
Media: Nikki Lavoie, 302-283-4057, nikki.lavoie@navient.com
Customers: 888-272-5543
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