Disaster recovery centers closing for Thanksgiving

ALBANY — The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Recovery Centers will close for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Lovelace Cook, a public affairs specialist with SBA, said that people can still submit loan applications online during the closure.

“We recommend (online applications) because, generally, it’s probably the most efficient way to to do it,” Cook said. “That website is disasterloan.sba.gov. People can fill out an application online any time. Maybe they’ll have some free time on Thanksgiving that they could submit an application.”

The deadline to apply for physical damages from Hurricane Michael is Dec. 15.

According to a media release from the SBA, “SBA disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to cover uninsured losses from the disaster. … Loan terms can be up to 30 years.” Loan repayments are deferred until 11 months after the loan is approved.

Cook said that, as of Monday, the SBA has loaned out $20.8 million to 879 applicants in Georgia, most of whom, she said, are homeowners or renters.

“We try to come into a community after a disaster to provide assistance for long-term recovery, not just the immediate fix,” Cook said. “We tell people (not to) be confused by the name Small Business Administration because we help more than just businesses when we come into a community after disasters. … Businesses can borrow up to $2 million, part of which can either be for repairing or replacing damaged property or inventory that’s lost; or it can also be used for working capital.”

The DRCs that will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday are:

— Small Business Development Center in Albany

125 Pine Ave., Room 142

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; closed on Sundays

Holiday Closure: Thursday and Friday

— Dougherty County Schools Technology Center

300 Cason St.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 1-7 p.m.

Holiday Closure: Thursday

— Albany Technical College

1704 South Slappey Blvd.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 1-7 p.m.

Holiday Closure: Thursday

“I know it can be really confusing when people have suffered a loss after a hurricane,” Cook said. “They don’t know which way to turn; they’re vulnerable. I always recommend for people to go to the Disaster Recovery Centers because Federal Emergency Management Agency people are there, there are people there with D-SNAP, there are social services, and they will walk you through (the process). … I think there’s a little bit of comfort in that.”

Residents can call 1 (800) 659-2955 to speak with an SBA representative or ask for a loan application to be mailed to them.

Jada Haynes