Financial aid available for families impacted by Penn Hills fire

People impacted by a devastating apartment complex fire in Penn Hills are eligible for financial relief, state officials announced Friday.

About 30 families were displaced by a fire Jan. 22 at the Rodi Arms apartments along the 300 block of Rodi Road. No injuries were reported.

Gov. Tom Wolf said the U.S. Small Business Administration approved a request to make financial aid available.

“Thankfully there was no loss of life in this fire, but dozens of residents in this apartment building still suffered devastating losses,” said Wolf via news release. “Low-interest loans will help replace what was lost and get them back on their feet more quickly.”

Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.

SBA regulations also permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property, including vehicles.

The SBA plans to open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Penn Hills to provide in-person assistance for those who want to apply.

It will be held at the Allegheny County Children Youth and Families office at 10700 Frankstown Road.

Tentative hours of operation for the center are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 23- 25; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 26; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 28-March 2; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 3.

The SBA offers long-term repayment options to keep payments affordable, with terms up to 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

People can also get information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 or 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Loan applications can also be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster.

Completed applications can be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is April 18. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is Nov. 17.

Donations accepted

Donations for the displaced families are being accepted at a Penn Hills location, the Western PA Search & Rescue Development Center, 1405 Frey Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

Questions about donating through the organization may be emailed to info@operationtakemehome.org.