Financial aid now available for Halifax flooding victims

Roanoke Rapids, N.C. — Residents and business owners in Halifax and Northampton counties who were victimized last month by flash flooding can now apply for financial aid, Gov. Bev Perdue announced Wednesday.

The governor issued a disaster declaration last week for Roanoke Rapids, Gaston, Weldon and other nearby areas after nearly a foot of rain fell in the region on Aug. 25, damaging more than 150 homes and businesses and sending more than 50 residents to shelters.

Low-interest loans up to $200,000 are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate and personal property.

Businesses and nonprofit organizations can also borrow up to $2 million for physical damage, and working capital loans are also available to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations.

Those who don't qualify for a federal loan might be eligible for a state grant of up to a maximum of $31,400 to help pay for housing and other essential needs.

A U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open Friday at the Senior Center at 701 Jackson St. in Roanoke Rapids to help victims complete applications for aid, answer questions about the disaster loan program and explain the application process.

It will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Sept. 13, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8. The center will be closed Sunday, Sept. 9.

Individuals and businesses can also apply via the Small Business Administration Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) or apply online at
the Small Business Administration website.

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Latest Comments

It's nice to see so much support from fellow people. First off its not just your money going to the victims. It's also those people who are going through this. Believe it our not they paid there taxs also. Most of these people are not the ones that look to the goverment for everything. They are people who have fought in the armed forces. People that work for a living. On disability. Only thing I hope is that the ones that are upset with them getting help never have to go through this.

clewis3
September 6, 2012 12:39 p.m.

"Something for Nothing" should be Obama's campaign slogan. Why is it the government's responsibility to reward irresponsible citizens with money they'll never repay? Gotta love the entitlement mentality. Always the victims.

Barfly
September 5, 2012 7:39 p.m.

My insurance will help me with housing and other essntial needs. Those that don't try to help themselves should have to go without. I'm tired of people depending on the government to do everything for them. No property insurance, that's OK. Not trying to find a job, that's OK. No medical insurance, that's OK. Need a bit more money in your pocket, have another baby out of wedlock. The baby will also get you more food stamps. Only in America can you be born and live to a ripe old age without working one day in your life.

ims1924
September 5, 2012 4:51 p.m.

"Those who don't qualify for a federal loan might be eligible for a state grant of up to a maximum of $31,400 to help pay for housing and other essential needs."

Hmmm.. a low interest loan.... or an outright grant. Okay, this is why Mom insisted I have good credit.