VALDOSTA — On Saturday, the Community Disaster Recovery Resources Fair at the VLPRA Administrative Office brought residents, business owners, and community leaders together to connect with vital recovery resources following the recent natural disasters. 

Sponsored by the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, the event focused on helping individuals and organizations recover. Speakers offered valuable insights into financial assistance, credit management, and other important avenues of support.

Monica Miles, a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), started the event by detailing the financial assistance available through low-interest disaster loans. These loans are designed to help homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits recover from property damage and economic losses. 

Miles explained the three categories of SBA loans: up to $500,000 for real estate damage, $100,000 for personal property losses for homeowners and renters, and up to $2 million for businesses and nonprofits to cover property damage or economic injuries. 

She emphasized the accessibility of these loans, which feature no application fees, low interest rates, and a one-year deferral on repayments, ensuring that those affected by disasters have the financial tools to rebuild and recover.

Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) Board Chairman DeWayne Johnson emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with available resources during the event. He encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the opportunities and support offered through these partnerships and highlighted their critical role in fostering growth and development.

“We have got to make sure our communities — specifically our underserved, under-resourced, and, most importantly, underinformed communities — understand that we have resources here,” Johnson stated. 

Marcus Allen discussed FEMA’s Individual Assistance Division and outlined the resources FEMA provides to individuals and families. He described two primary types of assistance: housing support, which covers home repairs, temporary housing, and rental assistance, and personal property assistance, which reimburses for damaged or lost items such as furniture, appliances, and vehicles. 

Allen also stressed the importance of meeting application deadlines and explained the multiple application avenues, including helplines, disaster recovery centers, and online options.

When discussing FEMA’s role in the community event, Kelly Gaskins, FEMA media relations specialist, stated, “Collaborating with our partner agencies allows us to provide essential information and resources to help citizens navigate their recovery options and rebuild stronger. Together, we are committed to empowering individuals and ensuring they receive the assistance they need during this critical time.”

Katrena Sermons, vice president at First Federal Savings of Valdosta and a Southern Georgia Black Chambers board member, gave attendees a comprehensive overview of credit’s role in financial recovery. Sermons shared practical tips for improving credit and discussed how one can build or hurt one’s credit.

The event featured various organizations dedicated to providing crucial support and resources to the community. Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP) offered information on its services, which include shelter and assistance for the homeless in Lowndes County. The American Red Cross highlighted its emergency relief efforts and disaster education programs, which help individuals and families recover from disasters.

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) shared opportunities for small business owners to access loans and coaching. Legacy Behavioral Health Services emphasized the importance of mental health and provided details about their support for individuals dealing with challenges during the recovery process. Clear Point Therapy presented its counseling services designed to support mental wellness and resilience in the wake of disasters. 

Furthermore, the South Georgia Regional Library demonstrated its capability to continue providing support through laptops and help despite the storm’s damage, which has caused the main facility to close down until next year.