Businesses and residents affected by the April wildfires can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration and for grants of up to $1,000 from the Georgia Realtors and the Realtors Relief Foundation.
The SBA is operating a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Tax Assessors’ Office Space in Nahunta for Brantley County and the contiguous counties of Camden, Charlton, Glynn, Pierce, Ware, and Wayne. Residents of these counties are eligible to apply for Physical Damage disaster loans (homes and businesses) and Economic Injury disaster loans (businesses).
“I encourage everyone impacted to visit the Disaster Loan Outreach Center and apply for assistance,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “Individuals affected by these wildfires don’t have to walk through this process alone.”
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s website
at https://lending.sba.gov. Contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance.
The address and hours of operation for the DLOC are:
The Tax Accessors’ Office Space (inside courthouse)
234 Brantley Street, Suite 500
Nahunta, GA 31553.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The DLOC potential close date is June 18, 2026.
The filing deadline to return applications for Physical Damage disaster loans is July 27, 2026. The deadline to return Economic Injury disaster loan applications is March 1, 2027.
Private relief also available
Georgia residents impacted by the April wildfires may be eligible for up to $1,000 of housing-related assistance through a partnership between Georgia Realtors and the Realtors Relief Foundation.
Applications for assistance must be submitted by midnight on July 15, 2026. To qualify, applicants must reside in one of the counties included in Gov. Brian Kemp’s April 22 disaster declaration for public assistance, including Brantley, Glynn and Clinch counties.
The Highway 82 fire in Brantley County that began in April destroyed nearly 200 homes and businesses.
“For many families, losing access to stable housing after a disaster can be one of the most difficult challenges to overcome,” said GAR President Brianne Drake. “These funds are designed to provide immediate relief and help residents move forward.”
Residents can apply for assistance here. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2026. Assistance will be provided on a first come, first served basis. All grants are contingent upon the availability of funds.
Assistance is for housing relief only. Other expenses including second mortgages (home equity lines or loans), clothing, appliances, equipment, vehicle purchase, rental or repair, and or mileage are ineligible for reimbursement under this program.
Applicants must provide a driver’s license or other governmental documentation to prove residency in an eligible county. Assistance is available to qualified applicants towards monthly mortgage expenses, hotel reimbursement or rental cost due to displacement, with documentation required.
One of the following is required to show proof of damage to your primary residence:
* Photos of damages.
* Insurance estimate.
* Copies of written claims, settlement proceeds or claim status reports.
* Copies of repair estimates from contractors.
The Tide brings regular notes and observations on news and events by The Current GA staff.
You must be logged in to post a comment.