A river of storm water damages 42nd St. Photo by Chris Stone
A river of storm water leaves damage on 42nd Street. Photo by Chris Stone

Disaster Recovery Centers in Mountain View and Spring Valley will convert to Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers, it was announced Thursday.

The change takes effect Monday.

In addition, Friday is the deadline for residents impacted by the Jan. 22 storm to seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

So far, more than 2,800 households have been approved for approximately $21 million in FEMA funding to help with short-term rental assistance, home repair costs and other disaster-related expenses. Anyone who has previously applied and is currently in the appeal process will not see a status change as a result of the deadline. 

Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, said that at this stage, “the emphasis for assistance is to meet the long-term needs of businesses and individuals that were impacted by the severe storm and flooding …”

“The transition of the Mountain View and Spring Valley Disaster Recovery Centers to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers will better meet the current needs of San Diego County residents,” he added.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Mountain View, 641 S. Boundary St., San Diego, is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

The Valley Center location, 836 Kempton St., is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to the SBA, a limited number of small businesses have until Nov. 19, 2024 to apply for an economic injury disaster loan though other deadlines have passed.

Those eligible for the fall deadline include businesses engaged in aquaculture, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofit organizations.

Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses and 3.25% for nonprofits with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement.

Applicants may apply or seek more information online, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

– City News Service

Updated 8:25 p.m. April 18, 2024