The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has extended the hours of its Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Portage.

The DLOC, which was set up to help the residents of Kalamazoo County apply for loans after the SBA granted a rapid administrative declaration of disaster for the state on May 7, 2024, will now be open until Friday, August 9, 2024. It was previously scheduled to close on Friday, July 26.

The decision to extend the hours was made due to the ongoing activity at the center. The SBA said that while the center had been scheduled to close, ongoing activity resulted in the decision to extend its service dates.

The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center is now open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. The center permanently closes on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 4 p.m.

If you need help applying for a disaster loan, you can visit the SBA website or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

According to the State of Michigan, a quicker approval process allows the SBA to provide low-interest loans where appropriate without having to await the full completion of the FEMA request process.

“The rapid administrative declaration allows affordable disaster loans and assistance to more quickly come to those who were impacted,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “Homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofits will have the resources to rebuild and thrive.”

The SBA also offers low-interest loans, which may be a benefit for those affected by the severe weather in Kalamazoo County. These loans can be used for a variety of expenses, including repairs or replacement of damaged property, car repairs, rental assistance, and utilities.

For more information on how to apply for disaster assistance, visit www.michigan.gov/miready.