In a concerted effort to bolster recovery after June’s severe weather, Illinois officials have joined forces with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Together, they are amplifying outreach regarding Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs), set up specifically to assist those affected residents in dire need.
These centers are especially crucial for areas such as Charleston and Effingham County, which found themselves in states of emergency after devastating tornadoes struck on June 17. However, the scope of aid doesn’t end at county lines; surrounding areas, including Clark, Clay, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Fayette, Jasper, Moultrie, and Shelby Counties have also been granted eligibility to receive support.
In Coles County, locals seeking assistance can head to the Coles County Center for Human Services, situated at 825 18th Street in Charleston. Meanwhile, Effingham’s stakeholders can find their DLOC at the Effingham School District Building, located at 2803 S. Banker St. Each of these centers is operational from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., extending their services on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At the heart of their mission, these centers aim to provide valuable, in-person support for those affected who are looking to secure low-interest disaster loans for damages the storm wrought, which insurance does not cover. The centers welcome walk-ins, ensuring accessible aid for anyone in need of their services.
You can find an online application here. Applicants can also call the Small Business Administration at (800)-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, or has a speech disability can dial 7-1-1 for help.
Homeowners can get up to $500,000 in low-interest SBA disaster loans to fix or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Officials added that homeowners or renters can also get up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses and not-for-profits can borrow up to $2 million. Learn more here.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Office of Homeland Security (IEMA OHS), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local municipalities are working together to promote the centers.
The deadline to submit for a disaster loan applications for physical property damage is Sept. 8, 2026, and the deadline to submit applications for economic injury is April 12, 2027. A full list of centers — along with their locations — can be found here.