Sonoma (Calif.) Disaster Centers Transition to SBA Outreach Centers

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has transitioned two Sonoma County (California) Disaster Centers into SBA Outreach Centers (OC).

SBA Customer Service Representatives will continue to provide individuals and business owners with face-to-face service in completing their loan applications, answer their questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, and explain how an SBA disaster loan can help pay for their disaster losses.

As of Thursday, March 2, SBA’s Guerneville Outreach Center, in the Old Bank of America Building at 16390 Main Street in Guerneville, is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beginning Monday, March 6, the Santa Rosa Disaster Center will also become an SBA Outreach Center. This center will remain in the Sonoma County Agricultural Building at 2604 Ventura Avenue in Santa Rosa. The hours of operation will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Low interest disaster loans from SBA are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations. Disaster loans from SBA are the primary source of funds for repairing and rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. Disaster victims are encouraged to visit an outreach center or call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 if they have any questions about the recovery process.

Informational materials will be available on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program and the Hazard Mitigation Program.

Individuals may still register for disaster assistance online at www.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The deadline to register is April 4.

Applicants who want more information from FEMA about available assistance, or who have questions about their applications, can call the toll-free number and select the Helpline option.