1. Homeowners, renters, businesses reminded they can still apply for
hurricane-related SBA loans
Dec. 21, 2016 - The U.S. Small Business Administration wants to remind Hampton
homeowners, renters and businesses who need help recovering from Hurricane
Matthew that they can still apply to receive low-interest loans for disaster-related
damages.
The first step is registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at
www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1800-621-3362. Once registered with
FEMA, residents and business owners in need can apply for a disaster loan from
the SBA at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ or by calling 1-800-659-2955.
Tamim Choudhury, public affairs specialist with the SBA, said the deadline for
applications relating to physical loss is Jan. 3, and the deadline to apply for
economic injury loans is Aug. 2. Loan applicants are also encouraged to check
with other agencies or organizations administering grants or other assistance under
the region's disaster declaration to determine how approval of an SBA loan might
affect their overall eligibility.
Hampton had at least 28 single-family homes, 2 mobile homes, 1 non-profit and 18
apartment buildings affected by Matthew earlier this year, along with power
outages, downed trees and other damage. The city reported a total dollar loss of
$1.86 million.
FEMA has registered more than 150 people in Hampton for "individual and
household" assistance and for "other needs assistance" totaling nearly $200,000.
Choudhury said the SBA has approved seven home loans in Hampton for $73,500
as of Dec. 14.