With FEMA Deadline Looming,

Rep. McCarthy Holding Disaster Aid Forum

For Small Businesses, Non-Profits

 

GARDEN CITY, NY (Dec. 8, 2012) – Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY4), whose district was devastated by Superstorm Sandy, is hosting a forum conducted by FEMA, the Small Business Administration and other agencies on how businesses and non-profits can apply for disaster assistance programs that are set to expire at the end of the year.

 

Rep. McCarthy’s “Superstorm Sandy Small Business Relief Forum” will be held on Monday, Dec. 17 at 9:15 a.m. at the Baldwin Public Library at 2385 Grand Avenue, Baldwin.  The event is open to anyone but attendees are encouraged to RSVP by calling Rep. McCarthy’s office at (516) 739-3008 or emailing jessica.montgomery@mail.house.gov.

 

“I learned from calls to my office that a lot of people don’t know what kind of aid is available to their businesses and organizations,” Rep. McCarthy said.  “And many who do have been too busy getting their property in order to apply.  With FEMA’s application deadline looming, this forum will help folks learn about the various aid programs out there, whether or not they might qualify, and how to apply.”

 

Numerous aid and loan programs for small businesses, non-profit organizations, religious institutions, and even for-profit institutions serving the public good – like colleges and universities – are currently available but the application process is set to close on Dec. 31.

 

In addition to holding this forum to help Long Islanders take advantage of the programs, Rep. McCarthy is part of a bipartisan effort to get FEMA to extend its deadline so that the most storm victims possible can apply.  She signed a letter to FEMA and held a press conference on the City Hall steps in Manhattan to call attention to the cause last week.

 

“It’s not going to be a happy new year for a lot of people if FEMA doesn’t extend its December 31st deadline for disaster loans,” Rep. McCarthy said last week.  “Folks are just starting to get their properties and paperwork back in order and they need more time to find out about and apply for these critical resources.”

 

Other agencies participating in Rep. McCarthy’s Dec. 17 forum include the Empire State Development Corporation and the New York State Small Business Development Center.

 

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