Updated Sept. 25, 2026, 6:10 a.m. ET
Government loans and grants are available to help eligible Erie-area residents pay for storm damage repairs and property losses.
Strong winds and heavy rain on Sept. 2-3 brought down hundreds of trees and flooded some areas, damaging homes, businesses, vehicles and other property.
State grants from the Commonwealth Disaster Grant Program are available to help cover costs to repair or replace property damaged by the severe weather. City of Erie and Millcreek Township property owners are eligible.
“Really, really bad”: Storm tears path from Erie Cemetery to Frontier
Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to help mitigate flooding damage in Erie, Crawford, Warren and other northwestern Pennsylvania counties.
“These storms left many people across northern Pennsylvania picking up the pieces from damages due to strong wind and flooding,” said Randy Padfield, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. “We want to make sure everyone knows that help is available to get their lives back in order.
“Together (with SBA) we are working to bring support to these communities that need it.”
The state grants
Funding is available for homeowners and renters who meet lower income thresholds, are uninsured or under-insured, and have not received other government or private aid.
Grants of up to $20,000 are available for home repairs, temporary housing or rent costs, or to replace essential property.
Information on the grants and eligibility is available on the PEMA website at pa.gov/ready/drap.
Applications will be accepted beginning Sept 25. The deadline to apply is Dec. 24.
The federal loans
Homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses with property damaged by flooding may be eligible for low-interest SBA loans.
Homeowners and renters can receive up to $500,000 to repair or replace primary residences and up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property.
Businesses and nonprofits may be eligible for up to $2 million to cover losses not fully covered by insurance. Additional loans are available to cover economic losses.
Loans are to be repaid over a period of years determined by the borrower’s ability to pay.
More information is available on the SBA website, by calling 800-659-2955 or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov and referencing Pennsylvania Disaster No. PA-20044.
Storm aftermath: Erie City Council approves $4 million for massive cleanup
Additionally, a local assistance center will be opened on Sept. 26 at the Salvation Army, 1022 Liberty St., to help individuals apply for an SBA loan. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, through Oct. 10.
Applications to cover physical damages are due by Nov. 23. Applications to cover economic damages are due by June 22, 2027.
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@usatodayco.com.