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Disaster loan center opening in Cairo

By Linda Rush

CAIRO - To continue serving disaster survivors affected by spring storms and flooding in Southern Illinois, a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open Tuesday in Cairo.

The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at the Cairo Municipal Building, 1501 Washington Ave.

SBA representatives will provide homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit organizations with face-to-face service, answering questions about SBA's low-interest disaster loans, completing loan applications, and closing on SBA loans.

The loans may be available to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding.

If SBA is unable to approve a loan for a homeowner or renter, the applicant may be referred back to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for additional grant considerations. Applicants may be awarded assistance for personal items, repair or replacement of a vehicle, or other losses.

Those with questions can call the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-3362, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT or check online at www.disasterassistance.gov.