{"id":231156,"date":"2026-06-29T19:01:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T19:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/231156\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T19:01:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T19:01:11","slug":"assistance-available-for-victims-of-oak-forest-apartment-complex-fire-in-muhlenberg-township-berks-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/231156\/","title":{"rendered":"Assistance Available for Victims of Oak Forest Apartment Complex Fire in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

The U.S. Small Business Administration approved a request to make financial assistance available to individuals and families affected by the June 11, 2026,\u00a0fire<\/a> at the Oak Forest Apartment Complex located at 2251 and 2271 Hampden Boulevard in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County. Additionally, Pennsylvania has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP)<\/a>\u00a0which provides grants to individuals and families through the\u00a0Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).<\/p>\n

\u201cThis fire displaced 50 people from their homes, upending their lives and routines in a matter of minutes,\u201d said\u00a0PEMA Director Randy Padfield. \u201cWe worked with the federal government to quickly open up access to low-interest loans, and PEMA will activate the Commonwealth\u2019s disaster grant program as tools to ensure those impacted by this fire have the support needed to recoup unexpected losses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Oak Forest Apartment fire had a profound impact on dozens of Berks County residents who were suddenly displaced from their homes,\u201d said\u00a0Berks County Commissioners Christian Y. Leinbach, Michael S. Rivera and Dante Santoni Jr. \u201cThe financial assistance being offered through these programs will help affected families begin the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding. Berks County remains committed to working alongside our municipal, state, and community partners to ensure those impacted receive the support they need during this challenging time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The SBA\u2019s\u00a0Disaster Loan Program<\/a>\u00a0provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, private non-profit organizations, and businesses who sustained physical damages from the fire. The SBA can provide up to\u00a0$500,000\u00a0for homeowners to replace or repair their primary residences and up to\u00a0$100,000\u00a0for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property. Businesses and most private non-profit organizations may apply for up to\u00a0$2 million\u00a0to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.<\/p>\n

Additionally, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations located in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).<\/p>\n

The SBA offers long-term repayment options, with loan terms of up to 30 years to help keep payments affordable. Repayment terms are determined on a case-by-case basis based on each borrower\u2019s ability to repay. Additional information about the SBA disaster declaration and access to the online loan application for the\u00a0June 11, 2026,\u00a0fire can be found\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Applicants may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA\u2019s Customer Service Center at\u00a01-800-659-2955\u00a0(people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability should dial\u00a07-1-1\u00a0for relay services), or by emailing\u00a0DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov<\/a>\u00a0and referencing\u00a0Pennsylvania Disaster Number PA-20030.<\/p>\n

The deadline to return SBA disaster loan applications for physical damages is\u00a0Monday,\u00a0Aug. 24, 2026. The deadline to return SBA economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) applications is\u00a0Wednesday,\u00a0March 24, 2027.<\/p>\n

The SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Muhlenberg Township beginning\u00a0Monday, June 29, 2026, at\u00a010:00 AM\u00a0to provide in-person assistance for those wishing to apply. Visiting the DLOC\u00a0is not required\u00a0to obtain assistance.<\/p>\n

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