Homeowners, businesses and nonprofits across DuPage County can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to cover losses from the July 2–4 storms that dumped up to 8 inches of rain on parts of the area over the holiday weekend.
The U.S. Small Business Administration issued disaster declaration IL-20031-01 on Aug. 10 after a request from Gov. JB Pritzker, unlocking three loan programs for residents in Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights and the rest of DuPage County. Cook, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties are also covered.
The physical damage application deadline is Oct. 5. Economic injury applications are due May 5, 2027.
What's available
Businesses and private nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, equipment, inventory and other assets. Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 to repair a primary residence, and homeowners and renters can seek up to $100,000 for personal property like furniture, appliances and vehicles.
Interest rates start at 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits and 2.875% for homeowners and renters, according to the Chicago Tribune. Payments aren't due until one year after the first disbursement.
Applicants may also qualify for a loan increase of up to 20% of verified physical damage for mitigation work, such as reinforcing structures or installing storm shelters.
Businesses that suffered no physical damage but lost revenue because of the storms can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to cover payroll, fixed debts and other bills. Agricultural producers are not eligible except for aquaculture enterprises.
How to apply
Applications are available online at sba.gov/disaster, by phone at (800) 659-2955, or by email at [email protected]. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can dial 7-1-1 for relay services.
The SBA's Aug. 10 press release noted that agency outreach centers are staffed with specialists who help applicants complete loan paperwork and connect them to other recovery programs.
Walk-in help nearby
The closest Disaster Loan Outreach Center to the Glenbard area opens Monday, Aug. 24 at the Hanover Park Police Department, 2011 W. Lake St. Walk-ins are welcome. The center runs through Sept. 5, with hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Applicants may visit any center regardless of where they live.
DuPage County residents seeking additional storm-recovery resources can call 211 or visit 211DuPage.gov.
This declaration covers the July 2–4 rainfall event specifically. It is separate from the FEMA stormwater grant for Glen Ellyn Countryside that DuPage County's Stormwater Management Committee approved Aug. 4 in response to the later July 27–28 storms.
