Small Business Administration offices in Palisades, Eaton fire zones to close next week
ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- The Small Business Administration is preparing to close its two Los Angeles area offices, but those impacted by the January wildfires can still get help.The offices at the Altadena Community Center and the American Legion Palisades Post 283 will close on Wednesday, December 17.Those looking for in-person help should stop by one of the locations soon."At those centers, the applicants and survivors can come in and talk with our customer service representatives and there, they can look at their actual application loan, they can log into their portal," explained SBA Public Affairs Specialist Jesse Cain.Home prices are rising and for many, help from the federal government has been crucial."I'm glad that the SBA is there so I'm not going to dig them 100% ... but their process is frustrating," said Altadena resident Peggy Taylor.She said her home didn't burn down, but her insurance payout wasn't enough to cover repairs. She turned to the SBA for a loan but ran into more complications."Their recommendation is to get a loan, so you get the loan, and then there's all these rules that go with the loan," she said. "That's the frustrating part is all the rules. Like I said, I got frustrated, I got tired."The SBA also provides loans to homeowners, and the interest rate is at about 2.5% for 30 years and no payments for the first year."It's going to give us peace of mind that we have this money in the long-term and low interest to be able to rebuild," said Altadena resident Nelly Head.Head said she was approved for a loan and hasn't had to use it yet while she gets her permits. She said communicating with SBA has been surprisingly personal."It's been good," she said. "They call me every month to see if I already need the money. Like I said, I don't need it yet. I have a very nice case manager ... it's very good."Cain said as of Thursday, the SBA has approved more than $3.3 billion in loans to those that have been affected.Remember, even after the offices close, you can still apply online.To learn more, visit the SBA's website.Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.
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