Vermonters who experienced damage or losses as the result of Tropical Storm Irene have until Tuesday, November 15 to register for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and to apply for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Vermont homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations have only seven days left to apply for aid for damage caused by the heavy rains and flooding that occurred between August 27 and September 2.
“FEMA extended this deadline by two weeks, and anyone who hasn’t registered ‘Better get moo-ving,’” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo. “Yes, it’s a silly pun. But we’re serious about one thing: We want to make sure Vermonters get all the help that they’re eligible for.”
Anyone affected by Tropical Storm Irene with questions or who still has not registered may do so by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362) or going online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Registering online saves time and allows you to track the status of your application online.
Registration is also available via web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Multilingual assistance is available if needed. Individuals with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.
Tuesday November 15 is also the deadline to complete and return an SBA low-interest disaster loan application if you have already received one. No one is obligated to take a loan, but completing the application is a necessary first step toward possibly receiving additional FEMA grants
“It’s not too late, but it will be very soon,” said Vermont Emergency Management Director Mike O’Neil. “No matter how much damage or loss you experienced, you should register and let the folks at FEMA determine if you’re eligible. Don’t miss your last chance.”
While FEMA has closed its disaster recovery centers, the SBA will continue to operate three assistance centers where both businesses and homeowners can get face-to-face help reviewing their cases and filling out applications. The following SBA centers are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and are located at:
Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
72 Cotton Mill Hill – 2nd Floor
Brattleboro VT 05301
Springfield Development Corporation
14 Clinton Street
Springfield VT 05156
The following center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
Town of Hartford Building
171 Bridge Street
White River Junction VT 05001
These centers will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday weekend from November 11 to November 13. They will re-open on Monday, November 14 and close for good at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 15.
FEMA and SBA have teamed with Vermont NeighborWorks® Organizations to offer more help filling out SBA disaster loan applications. These are located at:
VERMONT NEIGHBORWORKS® HOME OWNERSHIP CENTERS
Champlain Housing Trust
88 King Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Tel.: 802-862-6244
Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Champlain Housing Trust
Franklin/Grand Isle
13 Lake Street
St. Albans, VT 05478
Tel.: 802-527-2361
Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Gilman Housing Trust
48 Elm Street
Lyndonville, VT 05851
Tel.: 802-535-3555
Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Windham and Windsor Housing Trust
68 Birge Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Tel.: 802-254-4604
Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fri., 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Windham and Windsor Housing Trust—Satellite Office
90 Main Street
Springfield, VT 050156
Tel.: 802-885-3220
Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fri., 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Central Vermont Community Land Trust
107 North Main Street
Barre, VT 05641
Tel.: 802-476-4493
Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
NeighborWorks of Western Vermont
110 Marble St.
West Rutland, VT 05777
Tel. 802-438-2303
Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Rutland County Housing Coalition
46 Evelyn St., #201
Rutland, VT 05701
802-775-9286
Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fri., 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.