ONE WEEK LEFT TO GET HELP AT DISASTER LOAN OUTREACH CENTER

Center Provides Assistance to Residents Impacted by December/January Storms

February 25, 2011 (San Diego)--The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it will end operations at its local Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the close of business on Thursday March, 3.

The center opened earlier this month to help residents and businesses impacted by severe winter storms which affected the region December 18 through January 4. It is located at the Serra Mesa Recreation Center, 9020 Village Glen Drive in San Diego and is open weekdays 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The SBA is offering low-interest loans to San Diego and ten other counties. The disaster declaration makes the assistance available.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property.

Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. In addition, the SBA can also lend funds to homeowners and businesses to make improvements that protect, prevent or minimize future damage during the same type of disaster.

Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA based upon each applicant’s financial condition.

For additional details, contact SBA by phone at (800) 659-2955 or for the hearing impaired at (800) 877-8339. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. You can also get information at www.ReadySanDiego.com.

Filing deadlines are: April 4, 2011 for property damage; November 2, 2011 for economic injury.