In keeping with our theme of the challenges that are currently affecting so many in our county, this week’s question has information for home and business owners and renters as well.
Q: Is there any assistance out there for people who have lost or have had their homes damaged in the Valley Fire?
A: As we all enter into the world of living in a county that has been declared a national disaster area, it is truly an amazing learning experience to see all the assistance that is available. Besides working with your current lender, if you have one, to assist with mortgage payments, FEMA and Small Business Administration (SBA) have many different options available.
What I have learned is the very first thing you must do is register with FEMA. You can do this online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3662). That starts the process for everything else, with many different agencies.
SBA has low-cost loans for homeowners and renters. Homeowners are eligible for repair or replacement of disaster-damaged real estate or personal property. Renters are eligible for their personal property losses, including automobiles. There are also many different types of help for business owners, which we have so many of here in the county. You can reach SBA online at disastercustomerservice@sbc.gov or their website is www.sba.gov/disaster. Phone number is 800-659-2955.
Reach out to these and so many other organizations that are here to help thru this challenging time.
We are here to help you all in any way that we can by calling (707) 263-5142.
Jacie Casteel is senior loan officer and branch manger at Sterling Mortgage in Lakeport. Submit questions to info@sterlinglakecounty.com.
