These can include a combination of grants, low-interest loans, and various forms of disaster assistance from other state and federal agencies. Applicants may also be referred to local voluntary agencies to address immediate unmet needs. Disaster Housing grants, which do not have to be repaid, may be available to individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the storms and flooding. These grants may cover temporary rental assistance, emergency repairs needed to make a residence habitable or reimbursement for repairs that have already been completed, and mortgage or rental assistance in cases where the disaster has caused extreme economic hardship. Emergency repairs may include such items as repair or replacement of damaged furnace, hot water heater, and electrical junction box, basement clean up and debris removal, and minor structural repairs to replace windows or doors and make the home habitable.
Funds are also available for mitigation measures to minimize the effects of future disasters.
In disaster, homeowners and renters can receive disaster loans from the SBA, as well as business owners, to cover uninsured or under-insured losses. If you receive an SBA loan application you should complete and return the packet as soon as possible. SBA officials pointed out that completing the application does not obligate you to take a disaster loan, but if the packet is not returned it may delay other forms of disaster assistance. SBA low-interest disaster loans are currently below four percent. Business owners are only eligible for loans.