Atlanta, GA – A Ray of Hope for Hurricane Helene Survivors: SBA Extends Loan Deadline
In what could be a huge relief for those reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, there’s some promising news coming from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The agency has thoughtfully extended the deadline for survivors who need a helping hand in the form of low-interest physical disaster loans. Those affected by the fierce storm, which unleashed its wrath between September 25 and October 7, now have until January 7, 2025, to apply for assistance. This extension is a much-needed breather for many who are in the process of recovery.
On top of this good news, the SBA has opened its doors to a Portable Loan Outreach Center (PLOC) at the Greenwood County Chamber of Commerce (located at 1110 Phoenix St, Greenwood, SC 29646). This center, which is open through November 22, offers personalized assistance, helping disaster victims better understand and apply for the loans they so desperately need. It’s a community effort to bolster recovery, providing locals the opportunity to chat with specialists, receive invaluable assistance with applications, and get access to a treasure trove of recovery resources.
One of the key updates that survivors need to note is that the disaster declaration has been broadened. It now includes several South Carolina counties such as Abbeville, Aiken, Beaufort, Greenville, and encompasses the Catawba Indian Nation. Businesses and nonprofit organizations in these areas are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Meanwhile, numerous additional counties in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina are eligible for EIDLs only.
This initiative, spearheaded by the SBA’s Portable Loan Outreach Centers, serves as a beacon of support for businesses. It gives them the chance to have those crucial face-to-face interactions with customer service representatives, where they can ask questions, submit documents, and track the progress of their applications. For those keen on visiting, the Greenwood County PLOC operates Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and wraps up earlier on Fridays, closing by noon. Don’t forget, November 22 marks the permanent closing of this resourceful center.
If you’re affected or know someone who is, this window of opportunity shouldn’t be missed. For more details or assistance, disaster survivors can reach out by calling (800) 659-2955 or drop an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. To dig even deeper, visiting the SBA disaster assistance page could offer further clarity.
It’s worth noting the wealth of support available in South Carolina. For instance, Scout Motors continues to carve its niche in the area, contributing significantly to the economy with their electrified trucks and rugged SUVs initiatives. And then there’s the impact from diverse segments like the American Heart Association and Google, each making meaningful strides to propel the region forward.
For businesses, nonprofits, and residents affected by Hurricane Helene, this extension and the opening of the outreach center is more than just administrative aid. It’s a testament that when nature’s fury strikes, communities and organizations step up, showing resilience by providing concrete steps to rebuild and recover.
So, here’s to hoping that the remaining weeks offer some clarity and relief to the many who are regaining their footing after such an unforeseen jolt.
