Statesboro residents get one-on-one help with Hurricane Helene recovery
One-on-one support is available Saturday for Statesboro residents struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, including help with applications and appeals.
Statesboro area residents still recovering from Hurricane Helene have another opportunity for in-person help at the Honey Bowen Building at 1 Max lockwood Drive in Statesboro, GA. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting a resource fair and workshop on Friday, March 28, 2025 to help connect locals with disaster recovery assistance, and they’ll be back again Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Citizens in Bulloch, Emanuel, Screven, Evans, Candler, and Jenkins County are invited to participate.
The event brought together local, state, and federal agencies with community organizations to offer one-on-one guidance for storm survivors.
“We’re just here to help survivors in the recovery process,” said James Wood, a FEMA representative. “We’re helping eligible survivors find affordable housing options to continue along their long-term recovery.”
The event is free to attend, with no registration or appointment needed, and open to anyone impacted by Hurricane Helene, even if they didn’t initially apply for disaster assistance.
. James Wood, FEMA
One-on-One Help for Complicated Cases
Wood noted that in-person resources like this are especially helpful for those struggling with technology or communication barriers.
“There are people who don’t like to speak on the phone, or prefer in-person help. That’s why we’ve come together with partnering agencies to provide a one-on-one experience,” he said.
For those who couldn’t attend the resource fair, survivors can still reach FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362. While the FEMA application deadline was February 7, there is a 60-day grace period for late applications — but survivors must explain why they missed the deadline.
“Every situation is different,” Wood said. “You’ll need to provide supporting documentation, like if you were deployed in the military or unemployed. The most important thing is explaining your situation.”
He also explained one common reason for FEMA denials: missing documentation. But applicants aren’t left without options.
“You’ll get a letter explaining why you weren’t eligible. Read it carefully, line by line, and you have 60 days to appeal,” Wood said. “It’s not the end of the road.”
. James Wood, FEMA
SBA Disaster Loans Still Available
Right alongside FEMA was Kameron Mitchell, Public Affairs Specialist with the SBA, offering help with disaster loan applications.
“We’re offering three low-interest, long-term loan programs,” Mitchell explained. “They’re free to apply for and you have two months to decide.”
The three types of loans available are:
Home Disaster Loans (2.813% fixed rate)
Business Physical Disaster Loans (4% fixed rate)
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) (4% fixed rate for small businesses, nonprofits, and ag cooperatives)
“Even after insurance and FEMA, there are still gaps,” Mitchell said. “That’s where we step in, to help people get back to where they were before the storm and even make improvements to protect their property in the future.”
In Bulloch County alone, Mitchell said the SBA has already helped at least 125 businesses, and even more homeowners.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, federal agencies continue offering vital support to Bulloch County residents. On March 28, representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) hosted a workshop at the Honey Bowen Building to help residents and business owners access recovery resources.
“We work alongside FEMA to provide disaster assistance to survivors,” Mitchell explained. “Right now, we're offering three low-interest, long-term loan programs. They're free to apply for, free to deny, and you have two months to decide if you want it.”
SBA Loan Programs Available
According to the SBA, residents in 63 primary Georgia counties, including Bulloch, are eligible for disaster loans related to Hurricane Helene. These include:
Home Disaster Loans: Fixed rate of 2.813% for homeowners and renters with physical damage to their property.
Business Physical Disaster Loans: Fixed rate of 4% for businesses suffering physical damage.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Also at a fixed 4% rate, available to small businesses and non-profits who lost revenue, inventory, or access to capital.
“What we’ve noticed is, even after insurance and FEMA assistance, there are still gaps,” Mitchell said. “These loans help people get back to where they were before the storm and even help mitigate future damage.”
Mitchell added that physical disaster loans are particularly popular in Bulloch County. “We’ve helped at least 125 businesses here, but the home loans are even more common,” he said, noting that some residents use loans to cover high deductibles or refinance their mortgages if their rate is too high.
. James Wood, FEMA
Help Is Still Available
Business Recovery Centers staffed by both FEMA and SBA representatives are open across the region. These centers offer in-person help with applications, especially useful for older residents or those uncomfortable with technology.
“There’s a lot of elderly people who’ve received damage and might not be too tech-savvy. That’s what we’re here for, to walk them through the entire process,” Mitchell said.
The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is April 27, 2025. The deadline for economic injury loans is June 30, 2025.
Mitchell wrapped up his visit with praise for the way local communities have come together.
“I’ve been hearing a lot of local stories. Neighbors helping neighbors, restaurants handing out food, gas stations lowering prices. That’s what recovery is all about.”
