Outreach center helps flood victims apply for disaster loans
BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich. --
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open on Tuesday to assist flood victims receive financial support for the damages suffered during February's historic flooding.
Homeowners, business owners, and renters all may be eligible for low interest loans from the US Small Business Administration.
The center will open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency Conference Center on St. Joseph Ave. It will provide flood victims one-on-one assistance to apply for disaster loans throughout the next week.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center Hours
Tuesday, April 3: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday, April 5: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, April 6: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 7: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 8: Closed
Tuesday, April 10: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Flood victims in Berrien, Cass, Van Buren or St. Joseph County in Michigan, as well as La Porte or St. Joseph County in Indiana can visit the Outreach Center for help.
Loan types include Business Physical Disaster Loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and Home Disaster Loans.
The opportunity to apply for financial assistance comes after the U.S. Small Business Administration approved a request from Gov. Rick Snyder for a physical and economic disaster declaration for four Michigan counties.
The Berrien County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Coordinator Capt. Rockey Adams said the program is an important opportunity for flood victims.
"It is our hope that residents or business owners that qualify for these loans find some financial relief during their recovery process," he said. "We've spoken with many people in the county who have had a rough time getting back on their feet, and we hope programs such as this one will give them some additional help."
Residents can also apply for the disaster loans online here, or contact the SBA's Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or [email protected].