Written by Gabrielle Pack, intern with The Messenger

The Small Business Administration representatives are encouraging residents and business owners to just come out and see if the disaster relief program benefits their needs.

Less than 10 people have taken the initiative to begin the first steps to better their situations from the Christmas Day tornadoes disasters.

“Initially, there is no documentation needed,” said John Mahoney, customer service representative for SBA. “The person in need of assistance would simply come in, explain how they were affected and we will go from there.”

With the help of the SBA, the process takes only a short period of time. There is an application that’s available online; after completion an interview will follow.

“If you are unable to come in person, you can call the customer service center for disaster assistance,” Mahoney said.

The Home Disaster Loan, the Business Physical Disaster Loan, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan are the three types of relief loans offered to residents and business owners.

Only uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses are eligible. Secondary homes, personal pleasures boats, airplanes, and or recreational vehicles are not eligible, unless used for business purposes.

The representatives will be available everyday at the Troy Public Library for the next two weeks.

The deadline for physical damage relief is March 11.