The Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance has given $1.3 billion in loans for Hurricane Harvey disaster relief. While the SBA’s title focuses on small business, homeowners and renters should not be deterred from applying for a loan, said Chelsea Irvine, public information officer for the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance. “Any homeowner who has had damage from Harvey is eligible,” Irvine said. “Anyone who thinks there could be a need should apply.” Irvine, who works primarily with Brazoria and Matagorda counties, said that out of the loans to given, roughly 95 percent of the loans go to renters and homeowners, with only 5 percent going to small businesses. Businesses can be considered for a loan even without physical damage, Irvine said, as businesses near hard-hit areas are likely suffering from a lack of sales. “Even if a business doesn’t have physical damage, those people can also apply for injury,” Irvine said. The original deadline to apply for a loan is Oct. 24. However, both FEMA and the SBA have extended the deadline to Nov. 24. “We want to get these loans to people as soon as we can,” Irvine said. In order to be considered for a loan, all people have to do is apply online. “The process is relatively quick—it varies off course depending on how many applications are in,” said David Reetz, public information officer for the SBA office of disaster assistance. Reetz, who works with Galveston and Chambers counties, said that the reception on the application process has been positive. “Most of the people I have spoken with have been pleased with the speed that comes with process,” Reetz said. Monthly income and credit score are both taken into consideration during the application process, but homeowners should not consider that a deterrent, Irvine said. “We would urge people to at least try and we will do anything we can to make it possible,” Irvine said. The application process is online, but those who need help can go to a local disaster recovery center. With 39 counties being considered disaster areas, there are 50 disaster recovery centers in Southeast Houston. “The need is definitely still there, it’s just a matter of letting people know that we are out there,” Irvine said. Pearland’s disaster recovery center is located at 2341 N. Galveston Ave. Friendswood’s disaster recovery center is located at 209 S. Friendswood Drive. Disaster recovery center locations and loan applications can be found online at www.sba.gov/disaster.