Virginia has received approval from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a Federal Disaster Declaration as a result of the July 8 rain storm in Northern Virginia. The four declared Virginia localities are Fairfax County, Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church. The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, renters and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters.

As part of the process, the SBA will be establishing two Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) to assist affected residents from Tuesday, Aug. 13 through Monday, Aug. 19. Fairfax County’s DLOC will be located at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/tysons-pimmit-regional), 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.

Another DLOC will be located in Arlington County at the Arlington County Trades Center, 2700 S. Taylor Street (Parks and Natural Resources Conference Center) in Arlington. Fairfax County residents can visit either location, however, the Fairfax County location will also have information on county resources.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 15: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 16: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 17: 1-5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 18: Closed

Monday, Aug. 19: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

You can also complete your application online anytime by going to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA (https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA).

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers affordable financial help to homeowners and renters in declared disaster areas. Help is available in the form of low-interest, long-term loans for losses not fully covered by insurance or other means. You may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace your primary home to its pre-disaster condition. But unless required by building code, you cannot use the loan to upgrade or add on to the home. In some cases, SBA may be able to refinance all or part of a previous mortgage (not to exceed $200,000), assuming that you meet these conditions: You don’t have credit available elsewhere. You have a substantially damaged property. You intend to repair or replace the damaged property. SBA considers refinancing when processing each application. They may also be able to increase the loan up to 20 percent of the confirmed physical losses (not to exceed $200,000). You could use the loan increase to make improvements that may help protect your home from future disasters. This could include improvements like retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps, safe rooms and storm shelters. Second homes and vacation properties are not eligible. Qualified rental properties may qualify for a business disaster loan.