First Contact In Action: Supporting Disaster Survivors Following June 2025 Tornadoes
Pictured: Kameron Mitchell, Public Affairs Specialist, Small Business Administration (Atlanta, GA); Reanna Schutz, Ambassador, First Contact; Benjamin Roy, District Aide, State Representative Berny Jacques; Alton Farr, Database Curator, First Contact.
When disaster strikes, First Contact is there—ready to respond, support, and stand alongside our neighbors. In the aftermath of the severe tornadoes that tore through Pinellas County on June 25, 2025, our team hit the ground running at the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at Largo Public Library, bringing hope, information, and hands-on assistance to those affected.
Lending a Helping Hand at the DLOC
The DLOC became a central hub where residents and business owners could ask questions, explore recovery options, and apply for critical low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). And First Contact was right there with them.
What was available at the DLOC?
- Expert guidance from SBA reps on disaster loan programs
- Step-by-step help understanding eligibility and loan terms
- Personalized support with completing applications
Our First Contact team brought warmth, clarity, and compassion to the process—because navigating recovery shouldn’t be overwhelming when you’ve already been through so much.
Delivering Safe Shelter Through Airbnb.org
Recovery is about more than paperwork. It’s about people. That’s why we’re especially proud of how we were able to provide emergency housing for three displaced adults and one cherished pet through our trusted partnership with Airbnb.org.
Thanks to this collaboration, we were able to move fast and get families into safe, temporary homes while they regrouped and began the next steps in their recovery journey.
This service is available to:
- Tornado and disaster survivors
- Emergency responders in the field
- Vulnerable community members impacted by crisis
When the unexpected happens, safe shelter should never be out of reach—and we make sure it isn’t.
Disaster Loans: What You Need to Know
If you or someone you know was impacted by the June tornadoes, help is available now through the SBA’s disaster loan program. Here’s what’s offered:
- Small businesses and nonprofits: Up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, inventory, and equipment
- Homeowners: Up to $500,000 for primary residence repairs or replacement
- Renters and homeowners: Up to $100,000 for personal property—vehicles, furniture, appliances, etc.
- Mitigation bonuses: Up to 20% more to fund storm-resistant upgrades (e.g., storm shelters, wind-rated garage doors)
🕒 Don’t wait on insurance!
Apply now—even if your insurance claim is still being processed. You may be eligible for full assistance, and any insurance proceeds can later be used to reduce your loan amount.
📍 DLOC Location & Hours
Where: Largo Public Library
Address: 120 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771
Opening Day: Thursday, July 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday–Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday–Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Closing Permanently: Sunday, July 28 at 4:00 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome! Or skip the wait and schedule an appointment atappointment.sba.gov.
📅 Application Deadlines
- Property damage loan deadline: September 8, 2025
- Empty heading
- Economic injury loan deadline: April 8, 2026
- Empty heading
💻 How to Apply or Get Help
- Online:
sba.gov/disaster
- Phone: (800) 659-2955
- Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
- TTY/Relay Services: Dial 7-1-1
We're Here for You, Always
At First Contact, we believe in rising together—stronger, safer, and more connected than ever. Whether it’s navigating a loan application, finding temporary shelter, or simply being there when it matters most, we’re proud to be your first contact when life gets tough.
To learn more about our programs and services, visit FirstContact.org.
July 2025
