West Michigan residents and businesses affected by the severe weather on May 7 have the opportunity to apply for federal disaster relief. The application process is open to all eligible entities in the region, and assistance is available to help with recovery efforts.
According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes were confirmed to have formed in several areas including Portage, Union City, Dowagiac, and Twin Lakes.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), who subsequently made them available.
Residents and businesses in Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties can avail themselves of low-interest long-term relief.
According to Isabel Casillas Guzman, the Administrator of SBA, the organization is dedicated to delivering the most efficient and customer-centric assistance to the residents of Michigan. The SBA’s primary objective is to support businesses of all scales, homeowners, and renters by providing them with federal disaster loans. Guzman emphasizes that the SBA’s top priority is to aid businesses and communities in resuming operations after a calamity.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) will be set up at Portage City Hall to assist with application processing and other related services. The center will be operational from Friday, July 12 through Friday, July 26 as a temporary solution to cater to the needs of those affected by the disaster.
Here are the opening hours for the DLOC:
Friday, July 12: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mondays through Fridays: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Friday, July 26: Closes at 4 p.m.
If your business has been financially impacted by storms, you may be eligible to receive Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This option is available even if your physical property was not damaged. These loans can provide much-needed financial support to help you address your business’s financial needs.
If your home has been damaged or destroyed by the storm, you may be eligible to receive up to $500,000 for repair or replacement costs. Additionally, a maximum of $100,000 is available to cover expenses related to personal items that were damaged or need to be replaced.
Governor Whitmer expressed her gratitude towards the SBA for their swift and professional response to the severe storms and tornadoes that hit Kalamazoo County in May. This marks the first-ever SBA rapid declaration, which will provide the necessary resources and support to aid in the recovery efforts. The loans will help fund the ongoing rebuilding efforts in the region, and the Governor is confident that with the strength and resilience of Michiganders, they will overcome this challenge together.
To get disaster assistance, head over to the SBA’s website, or get in touch with their customer service representatives at 800-659-2955 or [email protected]. If you’ve suffered property damage, make sure to apply before September 6th, or before April 8th, 2025, if you’ve experienced a financial impact. If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech-related disability, you can call 711 for assistance.