UPDATED with Interview: FEMA Extends the Dates of Operation for the Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Rockvale

May 10, 2023 at 06:41 pm by WGNS News

A young child playing in the dirt as her family clears debris from their tornado damaged home on April 1, 2023. Photo by Scott Walker.

Hear our entire interview (below) to learn more about help that is available through FEMA. Remember, the Disaster Recovery Center in the Rockvale area will close this Saturday evening. With more, here is WGNS' Scott Walker...

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN – UPDATE: WGNS has more news on the FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Rockvale... Reports indicate the mobile center will remain open up until their final day on Saturday, May 13th. Originally, the plan was to close the temporary center this past weekend, but the date has been extended. While FEMA cannot provide or duplicate funds for items that are covered by your insurance provider, it's still a good idea to file a claim with FEMA because the agency may pay for items that your insurance doesn't cover. FEMA Media Relations Specialist Kim Keblish told WGNS News... Help from FEMA is available to homeowners, renters and business owners in the impacted areas. 

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The hours of the Rockvale location that is open to serve local residents impacted by the storms that struck our area on March 31st and April 1st of this year will be from 8AM until 6PM on Wednesday through Friday and 9AM to 5PM this Saturday. FEMA's Mobile Disaster Recovery Center is at the Rockvale Community Center (9972 Rockvale Rd, Rockvale, TN 37153). 

DEADLINE: The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA and / or for an SBA low interest loan for homeowners or renters is June 6, 2023. If you are unable to visit a FEMA center, you can set-up a FEMA profile by visiting https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4701 or by calling them at 800-621-3362. FEMA often helps with items that may not be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance, so it's important to fill out an application to receive funds for those added benefits that you don't have coverage for.

Low Interest SBA Home Loans Available: Some homeowners may need to obtain a loan to make repairs to their property, as a result of damage caused by the storms on March 31 and April 1 of this year. WGNS has confirmed that the Small Business Administration (SBA) is authorized to help with long term loans of up to $200-thousand in both Rutherford and Cannon Counties. Yabsira Adera with the SBA told us the interest rate for homeowners is under 3%... The SBA can also provide loans of up to $40-thousand for personal property, which helps to cover both furniture and vehicle loses that insurance will not cover.

In addition to the low interest loan rate, there is a secondary perk to receiving an SBA loan. That perk comes in the form of a 12-month 0% interest deferment program. Adera explained... The loans for homeowners are as long as 30-years for those who qualify.

The SBA also offers mitigation loans that allow for homeowners to rebuild their structure to better standards... The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA and / or for an SBA loan for homeowners or renters is June 6, 2023. You can apply for an SBA loan or for help from FEMA online through the FEMA  and / or SBA websites. You can also learn more about programs that may be available by visiting the Rockvale Community Center now through Saturday evening. 

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