Federal assistance available for those still cleaning up from derecho

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) - One month later, many of you are still cleaning up after a powerful derecho swept through parts of northeast Indiana.

Workers at the U.S Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Relief are used to seeing damage and debris scattered over neighborhoods.

“I’m only activated when a disaster happens and I’ve seen quite a few disasters,” Liliana Tschannett with SBA said.

It’s Tschanett’s first trip to Indiana and it’s one she tells me she’ll always remember.

“I just came from a tour with with state’s emergency manager and I talked with people in the area,” Tschannett said. “It means a lot to me to see them try to recuperate and clean up.”

SBA is making loans available for business owners and for home owners. Those loans can pay for both property damage and loss of income caused by that derecho. So how much money are we talking about? Well, it depends.

“Each loan is a case-by-case basis,” Tschannett said. “We try to be very lenient with everybody. We understand that some people got hard hit and it depends on the credit history. We’re going to look at each case individually.”

In several places all across the city you will see debris piled up right next to the curb. In fact, our team saw crews out picking up the debris Tuesday morning. Nonetheless, people are still frustrated. Former City Councilman and former mayoral candidate Mitch Harper is asking that you stay patient.

“It’s tough for city government to get everything taken care of quickly,” Harper said. “They’ve mobilized for two different storm events, but I think it’s getting to the point that people are getting a little anxious about it.”

Harper took to social media to show debris that’s been sitting out for a month now.

“Be patient,” Harper said. “But be sure to call 311 to let them know that you have debris.”

While crews keep working to clear your neighborhoods, Tschanett says she realizes it’s been a difficult month for many.

“We’re here as a federal assistance that is offered to you,” Tschannett said. “We’re here at the request of the governor and the state offered us this facility, so please take advantage of this.”

If you want to apply for one of those loans, you can stop by Southwest Allen County Fire District. The application window will close next Thursday, July 21.

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