Residents, businesses encouraged to apply for storm-related grants and loans

Nearly $5 million in federal aid has been approved for Pennsylvania residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, and there is still time to apply for financial assistance.

Homeowners and businesses have until Nov. 10 to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get connected with grants and low-interest loans to cover the costs of the storm, which brought devastating flooding and several tornadoes to the Philadelphia region.

A Disaster Recovery Center opened Saturday at a former CVS store located at 7219 Ridge Ave. in Roxborough. There, residents can learn about individual assistance programs and check on their applications.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and state agencies are also available at the site, officials said.

The Roxborough Center is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

“DRCs are one-stop shopping that provides comprehensive access to agencies that can keep disaster survivors on the road to recovery,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement Monday. “Even if you’ve applied for federal aid online or over the phone, it’s worth making the trip to see what other resources are available to you during this time.”

FEMA encourages homeowners to apply even if they have insurance in case the damage is not covered.

People can receive grants to pay for rent, temporary housing and repairs. In addition, residents can be reimbursed for costs related to the storm, such as child care expenses, damaged appliances and medical bills.

After registering, applicants will be contacted by FEMA, which may send a home inspector to survey property damage.

A city spokesperson told Metro Monday that Ida caused more than $31 million worth of damage in Philadelphia, and early estimates put the storm’s cost in Pennsylvania at $117 million. Hundreds of homes were destroyed or sustained severe damage.

FEMA on Friday opened a DRC for Bucks County residents inside a former Giant grocery store at 2359 York Road in Warminster.

The agency previously set up centers at the Ashbridge Square Shopping Center in Downingtown; Montgomery County Community College’s Health Sciences Gym in Blue Bell; and the Chadds Ford Township Office.

Masks are required at the DRCs.

Residents can also register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362 or going to www.disasterassistance.gov.

Resources for business owners

Earlier this month, the SBA opened a special center for businesses impacted by Ida at the Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave. in East Falls.

Businesses and many nonprofits can apply for loans of up to $2 million to repair building damage, and money is available to install devices to prevent future floods, such as sump pumps, french drains and retaining walls.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans are an option for firms that did not sustain any physical damage from the storm.

Residents can also submit applications for the low-interest loans for certain home repairs and to replace destroyed possessions.

The East Falls center is open from noon to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Those interested in the loans can apply online and receive additional information by going to www.sba.gov/disaster, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or calling 1-800-659-2955.

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