(Mobile, Ala.) - Mobilians and some Prichard residents have been waiting and hoping that FEMA might smile upon our twin tornadoes with a disaster declaration and some emergency financial help.So far, no smile from FEMA.
But the Port City is getting some good news from another source, the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA).
Tuesday, the SBA opened a disaster loan center in Mobile on Museum Drive out by Lagan Park.
The money available is not free.
It is a very low interest loan, and, yes, you have to qualify according to your income.
SBA employees are there only to take your information.
The qualification process happens off-site.
But if you have tornado damage and can't pay to fix all of it right now, a low interest loan may help you get back into your house or business sooner.
"I could pay the loan," said tornado victim Lamia Kennedy, "but I don't have the money to get it fixed all at once. I don't mind getting the loan. I could pay that back. But just getting the material and getting somebody to fix it, that I don't have."
So who can apply?
Owners of tornado damaged homes and businesses in these counties: Mobile, Baldwin and Washington in Alabama, and George, Greene and Jackson counties in Mississippi.
Western Administrative Complex
4851 Museum Drive
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Hours: Tuesday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Closed: Sunday, Jan. 20 - Monday, Jan. 21 in observance of MKL's Day
Closing: Thursday, Jan. 24 at close of business
