Disaster Recovery Centers Transition To SBA Loan Centers
Release Date: August 14, 2007
Release Number: 1709-050
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
WACO, Texas FEMA's Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) serving Grayson and Cooke counties will transition to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs). These centers will provide long-term loan information to residents and businesses who suffered damage as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes and floods occurring from June 16 through August 3. The Loan Outreach Centers will be located as follows:
Cooke County
Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Gainesville Chamber of Commerce
101 South Culberson
Gainesville, TX 76240
Opens Monday, August 20
Mondays - Wednesdays 8 a.m. 5 p.m.Grayson County
Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
VFW Post 2772
1707 Frisco Road
Sherman, TX 75090
Opens Thursday, August 23
Thursdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. 5 p.m.
SBA customer service representatives will be available at these locations to talk one-on-one with individuals and business owners to help them complete their loan applications. They will be able to answer questions about SBA's disaster loan program, explain how an SBA disaster loan can help pay for otherwise uncompensated disaster losses, and to close loan applications.
"At this stage of the recovery process, the emphasis for assistance is shifting to meet the long-term needs of Texans affected by the storms," said Joan Haun, State Coordinating Officer. "We believe the transition of the Disaster Recovery Centers to SBA loan outreach centers will meet the current needs of residents and businesses in these counties."
Low interest disaster loans from SBA are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations. Disaster loans from SBA are the primary source of funds for repairing and rebuilding disaster damaged private property. Informational materials will also be available on FEMA's Individual and Household Program and the Hazard Mitigation Program.
In addition to the new loan centers, FEMA's remaining fixed DRC and four mobile centers will continue to provide one-stop, face-to-face assistance and disaster information in affected communities throughout Texas. The DRCs provide individuals and business owners with information about the types of disaster assistance available from FEMA, SBA, the State of Texas and various other agencies. Registered individuals may visit any DRC or DLOC, even if it is located outside their county of residence.
The transformed DRCs are just part of the continuing state and federal disaster recovery effort, and many avenues are still available to people who suffered losses in the floods.
"We are reminding people that the critical first step to getting assistance is to call FEMA to register," said Federal Coordinating Officer Ken Clark. "Trained FEMA operators are available to register folks and to help them with their claims."
Individuals affected by the storms and flooding of June 16 through August 3 may still register for federal and state disaster assistance or get help with pending claims by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech- or hearing-impaired. The lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. People can also register online at www.fema.gov.
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: Tuesday, 14-Aug-2007 17:17:36