U.S. Small Business Administration opens disaster loan center for Spokane fire victims

SPOKANE, Wash. — This week the U.S. Small Business Administration opened a center at Northtown Mall to help residents and business owners apply for low-interest disaster loans.

Wildfire victims in Spokane have until the end of today to apply for state cash grants. Federal disaster loans remain available at a center in Northtown Mall through December.

The Washington Emergency Management Department is accepting applications for direct cash grants until October 30th. Anyone whose home was severely damaged or lost in the fires can receive up to $2,250 for a household of five.

Residents who miss the state deadline still have options. The Small Business Administration opened its center at Northtown Mall to offer low-interest disaster loans.

Jack Williams, with the SBA, explained who qualifies for help.

“For the homeowners, they’re eligible for physical damage. So that would be any home or structural damage. Personal property would be cars, clothing, things of that nature.”

Homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 to rebuild their homes and up to $100,000 to replace lost property.

The SBA will stay at Northtown Mall through the end of December. Williams said the agency wants to help people recover.

“We’re here to offer our federally-funded programs to assist those who need recovery from the fire incident. We want to be there to help them get back on their feet. We’re offering homeowners and renters as well as business and non-profits resources.”

Donations from across the country continue to flow into Spokane. The Innovia Foundation has received $5 million for Spokane Complex fire victims and has distributed $160,000 so far. The foundation says it is saving most of the remaining money for long-term needs, including home rebuilds.

The City of Spokane’s “Home Starts Here” fund has received $1.3 million. City officials say $63,000 has gone toward gas and grocery gift cards for fire victims. The city also has set aside $600,000 for asbestos testing, but that money has not yet been spent.