Disaster Recovery Centers Transition To SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers 

Release Date: October 21, 2008
Release Number: 1800-017

» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Three Illinois Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will transition to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) next week. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), SBA and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) opened the DRCs to serve residents and businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding in seven northeastern Illinois counties from Sept. 13-Oct. 5.

"We want to assure all those affected by the flooding that even though FEMA is closing these DRCs, our specialists continue to be available," said Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Ken Tingman. "You can get the same help by telephoning the toll-free FEMA Helpline as you can receive in person at a DRC. It is not necessary to visit a DRC to receive assistance."

The FEMA Helpline number is 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

These are the locations where FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers will close permanently on Saturday at 6 p.m. and reopen on Monday at 9 a.m. as SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers:
 
Northeastern Illinois University
Physical Education Building
3600 W. Foster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625

Des Plains Theater Building
1486 Miner St.
Des Plaines, IL 60016

DuPage County Complex
421 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187

DLOCs will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. Representatives of FEMA will remain at the DLOCs to answer questions from disaster assistance applicants.

Establishment of the DLOCs demonstrates SBA's commitment to ensure that every qualified individual and business receives the help they need to recover from this disaster. "Assisting individuals and business owners to recover from a disaster is our primary mission,"said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA Field Operations Center East."We are encouraging anyone affected by this disaster to visit a center while we
still have staff here and obtain individual assistance with completing their loan applications from our representatives."

Many residents and businesses that have registered with FEMA for assistance have received an SBA disaster loan application. Completing the loan application and returning it is a crucial step toward disaster recovery. Renters and homeowners found to be ineligible for an SBA disaster loan will be referred to FEMA for grant consideration. To be eligible for these grants, applicants must submit their SBA loan application even if they do not want a loan. No one is required to accept a loan.

A DRC remains open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Oak Forest Hospital, 15900 Cicero Ave., Oak Forest, IL 60452.

A mobile DRC will make stops in Maple Park, Coal City, and Channahon over the next two weeks.

SBA makes long term, low-interest loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed personal property, including vehicles.

For businesses of any size and private non-profit organizations, SBA makes disaster loans up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available only to small businesses to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

In addition to loans for repair and rebuilding, SBA can make loans to homeowners and business owners for debris removal and relocation. It can also offer loans to help homeowners and business owners make improvements that prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

SBA disaster assistance information is available by calling (800) 659-2955, or by visiting SBA's website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Thursday, 23-Oct-2008 15:47:25