ummm, there wasn't any clanking, banging, knocking, rattling, or other horrendous, ungodly sounds coming from the engine while trying to start it or before the last time you shut it off, were there?
The reason for timing belt replacement is because if the belt skips a tooth, or breaks, you will get collision between the pistons and valves... meaning that you either get lucy and have to replace the valves, or you aren't so lucky and the valves break off and demolish the pistons, cylinder head, and cylinder walls and then you need a whole motor.
Your problem does not sound like a timing belt issue at all. I'm not saying not to replace it, its good insurance against disaster, but its not going to fix whatever problem you're having. It seems to me that you are either having a fuel or spark related issue. Have your husband check the fuel pressure, it should be 45 psi with no vacuum on the regulator. if you don't have fuel pressure, check the fuel pump relay and fuse. If the fuse is ok, then make sure the relay clicks when you turn the ignition on (relays are under the lower dash panel under the steering column).
If the fuel system checks out, than he needs to check the spark plugs for wear/fouling (if he doesn't know what to look for a Haynes manual will have a colored guide of common spark plug conditions). Having a spark tester tool will also help as you can plug it into the coilpack, crank the engine and see if it actually produces spark.
Also be sure to check for exhaust leaks between the first O2 sensor and the exhaust manifold... if the manifold gasket, downpipe gasket, or anything else in that area is leaking, then it will cause the car to run overly rich which will result in a lack of power and if its bad enough can flood the engine so that it won't start. Mine had a pretty decent sized hole in the DP and it flooded once on me before i found it. Also check for broken/leaking vacuum lines, or any leaks between the MAF sensor and the throttle body.