Los Angeles residents dealing with the aftermath of February's savage storms have a new lifeline, as federal disaster loans are now within reach. The city, struck by a series of devastating early February tempests, saw Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom pulling strings, prompting the Small Business Administration (SBA) to step in and deliver much-needed financial assistance, as the LA Office of the Mayor reported.
After a clear call for aid, Mayor Bass is rallying every business owner, homeowner, and resident affected by the storm to tap into the available low-interest loans. "The City’s recovery began the second the storm started and continued urgently as we worked to reopen roads impacted by mudslides and established Local Assistance Centers for storm recovery," Bass said, in an announcement. Also on her gratitude list, is Administrator Isabel Guzman from the SBA, a key player in unlocking federal support for Angelenos.
Lending a direct hand, the Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center launched operations on May 20th, opening its phone lines and email inboxes to city dwellers in distress, according to the LA Office of the Mayor. The center, operating on weekdays, is a beacon of hope, keeping doors open till 4:30 PM PT.
For those aiming to square away with the SBA, the process is straightforward. Applicants can slide into the SBA’s website, dial up their Customer Service Center, or take the high-tech route with 7-1-1 telecommunication relay services, particularly if they're experiencing hearing or speech challenges. Remember, clocks tick and deadlines loom: July 16, for property damage claims, and February 18, 2025, for economic injury applications.
