Texans affected by an apartment complex fire in the Spring Branch neighborhood will now be eligible for federal disaster assistance following a recent decision by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Governor Greg Abbott announced that the SBA approved his request for a disaster declaration related to the August fire.
“Texans affected by the Spring Branch neighborhood apartment complex fire will now have access to additional resources needed to recover,” said Governor Abbott. “With this approval, impacted Texans are now eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help them rebuild their homes and businesses. I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management for working with our federal partners to help this community move forward.”
The SBA’s approval allows residents and business owners who suffered losses during the fire to apply for Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). These programs offer low-interest loans intended to help with recovery efforts.
Those seeking assistance can apply online at sba.gov/disaster, call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Telecommunications relay services are available by dialing 7-1-1 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability. Completed applications may also be mailed directly to the SBA Processing and Disbursement Center in Fort Worth.
In addition, an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open on Thursday, September 18 at 1625 Blalock Road in Houston. The center will operate weekdays from noon until 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Staff will be available to explain loan options and assist with applications.
Governor Abbott requested federal assistance on September 9 after state officials confirmed that damage from the fire met required thresholds for SBA support.
