The “Small Business Administration” name is a misnomer. During a disaster, the federal agency can provide low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, schools and non-profit groups, in addition to businesses, to help them recover.
The SBA and FEMA are in Orange and Newton counties to help victims of the March Sabine River flood. The deadline for filing to get assistance is May 18.
Susheel Kumar, spokesperson in Orange for the SBA, said homeowners and renters may qualify for loans at an interest rate of 1.81 percent. The payback for the loans might be extended through 30 years.
The SBA loans can cover up to $40,000 in losses for personal belongings for the homeowners and renters. The loans can be up to $200,000 for a homeowner. Kumar said the loans may be used to help cover the deductibles if a person has flood insurance.
The loans are issued for people with good credit and proof of income. Kumar said people who have credit problems may qualify if they can show their bills are being paid on time lately.
The SBA disaster loan applications are available through 1-800-659-2955 or online through sba.gov/disaster loans. The SBA is also set up at disaster centers at Northway Shopping Center in Orange and in Deweyville.
FEMA representatives Gary Petty and Greg Hughes are working with Kumar to spread the word about services available to people who had flood damage last month.
A federal disaster declaration has been declared for nine Texas counties for March flooding. The counties include, Orange, Newton and Jasper.
FEMA has mobile centers set up at Northway Shopping Center in Orange, Hartburg Baptist Church and the Senior Center on Highway 87 in Deweyville. People seeking help can go to any of the sites.
Greg Hughes with FEMA said the agency gives grants that do not have to be repaid. The maximum amount is $33,000. He said FEMA is currently awaiting word from the governor to deliver mobile homes to residents who had flooding in their homes.
FEMA also can provide grants through the Individual Housing Program that will pay for rental assistance for families or hotel costs.
Newton County has had 1,385 people registered for FEMA and 865 people applied for the housing program. Orange County has 1,582 people registered for FEMA assistance and 321 applicants for the housing program.
Anyone who has applied for FEMA or the SBA and has been turned down should try again. Sometime a minor problem can make the application be rejected. A correction may lead to approval for assistance.
FEMA registrations may be made at the mobile centers or by phone through 1-800-621-3362. The application on phone will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
-Margaret Toal, KOGT-
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