WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. — In the wake of devastating tornadoes and storms that tore through parts of Southern Illinois on May 16, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially approved a federal disaster declaration to support recovery efforts.
This move clears the way for residents, business owners, and nonprofits in the affected counties to apply for low-interest federal loans to cover damages not covered by insurance.
Who Can Apply and What’s Covered
Residents of Williamson, Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, Pope, Saline, and Union counties are now eligible for financial assistance through the SBA’s disaster loan program.
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Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged property, including homes and personal belongings.
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Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to cover physical damage and economic injury losses.
The SBA loans are intended to be more accessible than traditional financing, with lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, especially for those who may not qualify for conventional credit.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center Opening in Marion
To help streamline the application process, a Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open on Monday at:
500 North Holland Street, Marion, IL
Weekdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closing Date: July 2
At this center, affected individuals can meet with SBA representatives, ask questions, and get assistance with paperwork. The goal is to ensure those hit hardest by the storm receive timely relief.
“This kind of support is critical,” officials said, “especially for smaller towns that might otherwise lack the resources to recover quickly.”
More details and application instructions are available on the SBA disaster assistance site.
Severe Damage from May 16 Tornadoes
The declaration follows the violent storms and tornadoes that struck parts of Southern Illinois in mid-May. High winds left many homes uninhabitable, uprooted trees, and severely damaged local infrastructure. Emergency crews have been working around the clock to restore power and assist families in recovery.
Officials hope the new funding will ease the burden on affected communities and encourage more residents to rebuild rather than relocate.
How to Apply
Individuals and business owners in the covered counties can apply:
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Online: Visit the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Portal
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In Person: Visit the Marion Outreach Center during open hours
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By Mail: Contact the SBA Customer Service Center for paper applications
Application deadlines vary, so residents are encouraged to act quickly.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the storms in Southern Illinois? Let us know how your community is responding and what kind of assistance is most needed. Share your experience in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
