HEPBURNVILLE, Pa. — Clean-up efforts continue in Lycoming County after Tropical Storm Debby left behind a path of destruction.
After the flood waters receded, many homeowners were left wondering where to turn next. That's why the Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Company.
"This allows you to come in and talk to someone face to face, ask any questions you have in person. Let's say you do qualify for FEMA assistance and you have eligibility, you have eligibility letters, you can certainly come in here and get any questions you have answered," said Trey Paul, FEMA media relations specialist.
Federal officials say more than $1 million is available to help homeowners and renters in Pennsylvania impacted by the storm.
Residents can get help paying for essential items, moving and storage fees, and even medical and childcare expenses.
"We can help with everything from basic home repairs, temporary housing, rental assistance—let's say you had to replace or repair an item as a result of the storm for damage of the storm, you can come in and talk to us about that, and we can possibly offer you some assistance," said Paul.
The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits. Flood victims can apply through SBA's lending platform where they'll create an account and answer some questions to see if they qualify.
"If for any reason we would not be able to help them, we refer them to other federal partners or local partners that we have relationships with through our lending platform," said Christian Lewis, SBA public affairs specialist.
The SBA can offer homeowners up to $500,000, renters $100,000, and up to $2 million for business owners.
"The first $50,000 of the loan is unsecured which means we don't ask for any collateral, the loan interest rate for our homes and renters right now is 2.8%, 30 year term—up to 30 year term no interest no payments for a year," said Lewis.
For other ways to apply for assistance, apply online at Home | disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA app on your mobile device, or call 800-621-3362.
The Disaster Recovery Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through November 15.