Residents and businesses across Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans following the deadly March 6 tornado outbreak that tore through Southwest Michigan.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved an administrative disaster declaration for Branch County, making financial assistance available to homeowners, renters, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations hit hardest by the storms.
The tornadoes caused widespread destruction in and around Union City, damaging or destroying homes and businesses, uprooting trees, and leaving prolonged power outages.
Three people in Branch County were among the four victims statewide who lost their lives.
What help is available
The SBA disaster assistance program offers several types of low-interest loans designed to help people recover:
Loan terms are based on the applicant’s ability to repay, with repayments tailored to each individual’s financial situation.
Where to apply
Branch County residents can receive in-person assistance at the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Branch District Library, 195 N. Broadway St. in Union City. SBA representatives are available to answer questions and help with applications.
Staff from the SBA will be at the library during open hours, Monday from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until May 14.
St. Joseph County can stop by 52 N. Main St. in Three Rivers between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Applications are also available online through the MySBA Loan Portal or by phone at 1-800-659-2955.
State officials say the SBA loans are a critical step in recovery as families and business owners begin rebuilding. A separate request for a broader federal disaster declaration — which could unlock additional assistance — is still pending.
For now, residents affected by the March storms are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to access available relief and begin their recovery.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Michigan tornado victims can get federal disaster loans
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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