SBA Packets the Key to Some Disaster Assistance
Release Date: July 23, 2001
Release Number: 1378-28
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms & Flooding
Charleston, WV -- State and federal disaster officials today advised West Virginia's flood victims that they can qualify for only a limited number of the disaster recovery assistance programs if they do not fill out the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications.
"Nobody will be forced to accept an SBA loan," promised Carlos Mitchell, the federal official coordinating the West Virginia disaster recovery effort. "But the filled-in loan application helps us expedite disaster assistance to those who need and deserve it."
"Housing assistance and emergency home repair grants are approved as soon as possible to get flood victims into safe, sanitary, and secure housing," said Stephen S. Kappa, director of the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services. "But eligibility for more long-term recovery assistance, such as the Individual and Family Grants program, can be decided only by reviewing information obtained from the SBA loan application."
Both officials urged everyone who suffered damages or property losses in the spring and summer floods to register for recovery assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free registration number is 1-800-462-9029. Speech or hearing impaired persons should call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Mitchell emphasized, "The only way FEMA or state agencies determine the types of assistance flood victims may receive is for them to call the toll-free registration number and return the SBA packets."
Last Modified: Tuesday, 21-Oct-2003 10:21:14