Staten Island, NY Disaster Recovery Center To Convert To SBA Loan Outreach Center
Release Date: May 24, 2007
Release Number: 1692-043
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- The State and federal Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located outside Congressman Vito Fossella's District Office at 4434 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY 10312 will convert to a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 and be located inside the building on the second floor.
The DRC is currently open from noon to 8 p.m. weekdays. Once converted to an SBA loan outreach center, the hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) opened the DRC on May 9, 2007 to help those affected by the April nor'easter and subsequent flooding. To date, more than 350 individuals have received help with their disaster recovery process.
As a loan outreach center, the focus will be to help people fill out applications for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. These loans have no closing costs or other fees, and are the primary source of financial aid to residents who need to repair or rebuild and to businesses with physical damage or economic losses. The loans also can be used for replacement of essential personal property, transportation, or the rental of equipment to help with recovery.
Homeowners and renters who fill out the loan applications may become eligible for FEMA grants beyond those for repairs and alternate housing. However, if asked to fill out an SBA loan application, they must fill it out and return it in order to be considered for additional assistance.
Registering with FEMA is the first step to get disaster assistance. Anyone who has not yet registered for assistance should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Individuals with speech or hearing impairments should call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Register online, any time at www.fema.gov. Online, be sure to register using your name as it appears on your Social Security card.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments 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, 24-May-2007 16:51:33