Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Humboldt County residents impacted by the recent earthquakes now have more time to receive assistance in filing for disaster loans. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be relocating to Rio Dell, extending its operation in Humboldt County to Feb. 10, 2023. Beginning Monday, Jan. 30, the Outreach Center will be moved to the Rio Dell Community Resource Center, located at 406 Wildwood Avenue in Rio Dell. 

“The City of Rio Dell is thrilled to have the SBA disaster loan team extend their time with us,” said Kyle Knopp, city manager for the City of Rio Dell. “It is no question that Rio Dell was hit hardest by the earthquakes, and we hope this extension will be able to connect more residents in Rio Dell with much-needed assistance. If you or your business has been impacted by the earthquakes, I encourage you to visit the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center to learn more about the disaster loan assistance program and other help that may be available to you.”

Homeowners, renters, business owners and certain private non-profit organizations impacted by the earthquakes may be eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA to help cover losses due to the earthquake. The Disaster Outreach Center is available to assist residents in determining eligibility and completing applications. 

As of today, over $3 million in disaster loans have been issued to Humboldt County residents and over $330,000 to businesses for earthquake repair and recovery purposes.

“We are incredibly grateful to our federal agency partners at the SBA who recognized the need to extend their presence in our community to connect more community members and business owners in Rio Dell with their services,” said Scott Adair, Humboldt County director of economic development. “During this time where our community, like others, have experienced consecutive periods of inflation and recession, in addition to being impacted by natural disasters, the loan services SBA provides are critical to help the community recover economically.”

In person application assistance is available at the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center. Applicants may also apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.

 U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Jan. 30 - Feb. 10, 2023 | Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rio Dell Community Resource Center
406 Wildwood Avenue
Rio Dell, CA 95562

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. 

The deadline to apply for an SBA loan for property damage is Monday, March 6, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury applications is Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. SBA loan recipients are obligated to pay this lender back per their loan agreement.

For updated information and available resources regarding earthquake recovery, visit humboldtsheriff.org/emergency.