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If your home or business was damaged, maybe even destroyed, by the tornadoes on June 17th and you haven’t yet looked into disaster loan assistance, now is the time.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency, along with the U.S. Small Business Administration has opened “Disaster Loan Outreach Centers” in both Coles and Effingham Counties, specifically for residents and businesses impacted by the June 17th storms and tornadoes.Walk-ins are welcome at both locations, there is no appointment needed.
The Coles County location is at the Coles County Center for Human Services at 825 18th Street in Charleston, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In Effingham County, the center is located at the Effingham School District Building at 2803 S. Banker Street, with the same hours.
SBA customer service representatives will be on site to answer questions, explain the application process, and help you complete your application. The loans available are low-interest and designed to cover storm-related damages not covered by insurance. Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate, and up to $100,000 for personal property. Renters are also eligible for that personal property amount. Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million for damages.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t have to live in Coles or Effingham County to qualify. Residents and businesses in surrounding counties including Clark, Clay, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Fayette, Jasper, Moultrie, and Shelby Counties, are also eligible to apply and can visit either local center regardless of where they live.
The deadline to apply for physical property damage loans is September 8th, 2026. The deadline for economic injury loans is April 12th, 2027. You can also apply online at www.sba.gov/disaster or call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.
Don’t leave money on the table, if those June storms hit you hard, this assistance exists for exactly that reason. And we know, are they REALLY going to help me? You won’t know unless you ask.
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