(WASHINGTON) - Residents in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana can apply for disaster relief following the March 6 tornadoes.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the availability of low interest Federal disaster loans for Michigan businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the tornadoes that moved through the area March 6. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request that was received on April 27 from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The declaration covers St. Joseph, Branch, Cass, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Van Buren Counties in Michigan, along with LaGrange, Steuben, Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties in Indiana. The counties are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. In St. Joseph County that location is HG Real Estate, 52 North Main Street, Three Rivers. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 AM until 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
The Branch County Center is at the Branch District Library Union Township Branch, 195 North Broadway Street in Union City. Hours there are Monday 1 PM to 5 PM; Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
The Cass County Center is at the Cass District Library, 319 M-62 in Cassopolis. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.