Park Ridge homeowners, renters and businesses that suffered damage in the July 27 storms can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans at two Cook County outreach centers, with a physical damage application deadline of Oct. 19.
The U.S. Small Business Administration opened its first Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Chicago Public Library's Pullman Branch, 11001 S. Indiana Ave. A second center opens Friday, Aug. 21, at the Village of Hazel Crest, 3601 W. 183rd St. Both accept walk-ins and will remain open through early September, according to a Cook County announcement.
The loans cover damages not covered by insurance. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate and up to $100,000 for personal property such as appliances and furniture. Businesses and some nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages. A separate Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses and nonprofits that suffered financial losses; that deadline runs to Tuesday, May 18, 2027.
What triggered the declaration
The July 27 storms hammered the Chicago region with severe thunderstorms, torrential rainfall, flash flooding, downed trees and power lines, and widespread utility outages. More than 300,000 ComEd customers lost power, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The National Weather Service confirmed seven tornadoes, including EF-1 twisters in Country Club Hills, Glenwood and Lynwood.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a disaster proclamation on July 30, and Gov. JB Pritzker followed with a state disaster proclamation on Aug. 18.
"The State of Illinois quickly mobilized resources for residents impacted by this latest round of severe weather, and today's disaster proclamation will further unlock and accelerate additional state resources for continued assistance," Pritzker said on Aug. 18 when he signed the state proclamation.
The SBA disaster declaration covers Cook and Will counties, plus contiguous counties DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake and McHenry in Illinois, and Lake County in Indiana.
How to apply
No Park Ridge-specific damage reports have been published, but the city falls within Cook County's disaster declaration area, making all affected residents and businesses eligible.
Walk-ins are accepted. Residents can visit either outreach center regardless of which municipality they live in. Spanish translators are available at both sites. Appointments can be scheduled at appointment.sba.gov.
Hazel Crest center: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open through Friday, Sept. 4.
Pullman Branch (Chicago): Hours vary. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open through Thursday, Sept. 3.
Residents can also apply online at sba.gov/disaster, call (800) 659-2955, or email [email protected]. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can dial 7-1-1 for relay services.
The physical damage application deadline is Monday, Oct. 19. The economic injury deadline is Tuesday, May 18, 2027.
