LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) — It’s taken a while but funding is becoming available for the victims of February flooding in Southern Michigan.
The Small Business Administration will make low interest disaster loans available to homeowners and business.
They are largely offered on a as needed basis and the rates you pay depend on what you can pay. ]
They will soon be setting up temporary centers in the area to help applicants fill out their paperwork and applications, which will also be available online.
The declaration covers Arenac, Berrien, Ingham, and Kalamazoo Counties, but all the adjacent counties are also eligble. That includes: Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Eaton, Gladwin, Iosco, Jackson, Livingston, Ogemaw, Shiawassee, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties.
Flood victims in Kalamazoo County may have access to a special fund created just for this disaster.
The Kalamazoo Foundation teamed up with the United Way to create a funding pool for flood victims and has raised around $230,000 to help those who are in no position to take on a loan, retirees and low income residents, and tenants.
“Once again our community shows the world its generosity and compassion, especially when people are in great need,” said Chris Sargent, United Way’s President and CEO.
Carrie Pickett-Erway, President and CEO of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation says “This partnership is a great illustration of collaboration to support the greatest need in our community.”
So far 111 requests for flood assistance have been registered at 2-1-1.
Residents have requested help with water removal; replacing damaged furnaces and water heaters; mold remediation; debris removal; utility assistance; replacing appliances, furniture and clothing; and providing hotel vouchers for families who need shelter while their homes are repaired.
On a regional basis, the Red Cross can also lend assistance to help residents connect with local resources.
They are also helping some homeowners prepare in case there is another round of spring flooding, making sure they aren’t traumatized a second time.
