02/10/2026
Due to damage from the 2026 Early January Storm, Tidal Flooding and King Tides event between Dec. 31, 2025 and Jan. 5, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared Humboldt County a disaster area.
The declaration means that Humboldt County residents affected by this event can now apply for federal assistance through the SBA's Disaster Loan Program. Through this program, impacted homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit organizations may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans to help cover flood-related damages and losses.
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Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
To facilitate the application process, in partnership with Humboldt COAD and the County of Humboldt, a DLOC has been established to provide technical assistance and in-person consultations. Humboldt COAD will be present at the center to assist residents in navigating secondary aid resources and insurance concerns. Resources and supplies will also be distributed from the DLOC location while it is in operation.
Location: Humboldt Grange #501, 5845 Humboldt Hill Rd., Eureka, CA 95503.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Note: The center will be closed on February 16 for President’s Day.
Appointments: While walk-ins are accepted, appointments can be scheduled in advance via appointment.sba.gov.
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The SBA disaster assistance framework provides low-interest federal loans designed to facilitate long-term recovery for the private sector and residential properties. Unlike traditional commercial credit, these instruments offer favorable terms to ensure community stability:
Business Physical Disaster Loans: Available to businesses and private nonprofits (PNPs) for the repair or replacement of real estate, machinery, inventory, and other capital assets, with a borrowing limit of up to $2 million.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): These loans address working capital deficits and operational expenses (e.g., payroll, fixed debts) exacerbated by the disaster, regardless of whether the entity sustained physical damage.
Residential Loans: Homeowners are eligible for up to $500,000 for primary residence restoration, while both homeowners and renters may access up to $100,000 for personal property loss (e.g., vehicles, appliances, furniture).
Fiscal Terms: Interest rates are established as low as 2.875% for residential applicants, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 4% for businesses. Repayment terms extend up to 30 years, with a 12-month deferment period where interest does not accrue and no payments are due.
