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Two disaster recovery centers officially commenced operations in Dallas County on Saturday, aiming to assist residents in the aftermath of severe storms that prompted a federal disaster declaration.
The centers, located in Richardson and Garland, join several others across Texas, responding to ongoing cleanup efforts nearly three weeks after destructive winds and heavy rainfall caused widespread damage.
Janelle Jacobs, a local resident, recounted her experience with debris removal and repairs, mentioning the loss of a significant portion of her pecan tree and the need for roof and electrical repairs. While she plans to cover costs out of pocket, many others face repairs that could cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In response to the financial challenges posed by these repairs, Garland’s Williams Elementary is hosting one of the recovery centers, offering guidance on accessing financial assistance. Small Business Administration (SBA) Public Information Officer Susheel Kumar emphasized that SBA, in conjunction with FEMA, is providing loans up to $500,000 for homeowners, renters, and businesses. These loans feature fixed interest rates starting as low as 2.6 percent, supplementing insurance claims that may not cover all damages.
Kumar highlighted that these recovery efforts are essential after exhausting private insurance coverage, ensuring that affected individuals and businesses can rebuild effectively. The centers will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing in-person assistance and accepting applications for aid, which can also be submitted online or through a designated phone number.
The deadline to apply for assistance is July 16, encouraging those affected to utilize the resources provided by local, state, and federal partners to navigate the recovery process successfully.