N.Y. disaster recovery center to become SBA disaster loan outreach center

NEW YORK – The disaster recovery center in Long Beach, N.Y., currently staffed by state and federal specialists, will become a disaster loan outreach center operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 13.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until 8 p.m. Friday, April 12, to visit the disaster recovery center at the Recreation Center and Ice Arena, 700 Magnolia Blvd., Long Beach, N.Y., 11561.

A disaster recovery center typically meets the more immediate concerns of survivors, while a disaster loan outreach center focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery.

At an SBA disaster loan outreach center, homeowners, renters and businesses will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives. Visitors can ask questions about SBA low-interest disaster loans, get help filling out a loan application and submit completed applications.

No one is required to accept a loan, but returning a completed application could lead to other assistance from FEMA.

SBA disaster assistance includes:

• Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate or personal property. Renters are eligible for personal property losses, including automobiles.
• Business Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size may apply. Certain private, nonprofit organizations may also be eligible.

The outreach center will operate 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Survivors can obtain more information about the low-interest SBA disaster loan by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY). Survivors can download SBA loan applications at www.sba.gov or apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Survivors who need to visit a disaster recovery center may do so at any of the other centers that remain open throughout New York.

To find the nearest center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the disaster recovery center locator is available at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals also can find a recovery center – and register for FEMA help – at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Survivors who have questions or want to register with FEMA can also call the helpline, 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice.

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York have until Saturday, April 13, to register for possible federal disaster assistance, which can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.