The U.S. Small Business Administration approved a request to make financial assistance available to individuals and families affected by the June 11, 2026, fire at the Oak Forest Apartment Complex located at 2251 and 2271 Hampden Boulevard in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County. Additionally, Pennsylvania has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP) which provides grants to individuals and families through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).
“This fire displaced 50 people from their homes, upending their lives and routines in a matter of minutes,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “We worked with the federal government to quickly open up access to low-interest loans, and PEMA will activate the Commonwealth’s disaster grant program as tools to ensure those impacted by this fire have the support needed to recoup unexpected losses.”
“The Oak Forest Apartment fire had a profound impact on dozens of Berks County residents who were suddenly displaced from their homes,” said Berks County Commissioners Christian Y. Leinbach, Michael S. Rivera and Dante Santoni Jr. “The financial assistance being offered through these programs will help affected families begin the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding. Berks County remains committed to working alongside our municipal, state, and community partners to ensure those impacted receive the support they need during this challenging time.”
The SBA’s Disaster Loan Program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, private non-profit organizations, and businesses who sustained physical damages from the fire. The SBA can provide up to $500,000 for homeowners to replace or repair their primary residences and up to $100,000 for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property. Businesses and most private non-profit organizations may apply for up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.
Additionally, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations located in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
The SBA offers long-term repayment options, with loan terms of up to 30 years to help keep payments affordable. Repayment terms are determined on a case-by-case basis based on each borrower’s ability to repay. Additional information about the SBA disaster declaration and access to the online loan application for the June 11, 2026, fire can be found here.
Applicants may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability should dial 7-1-1 for relay services), or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov and referencing Pennsylvania Disaster Number PA-20030.
The deadline to return SBA disaster loan applications for physical damages is Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. The deadline to return SBA economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) applications is Wednesday, March 24, 2027.
The SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Muhlenberg Township beginning Monday, June 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM to provide in-person assistance for those wishing to apply. Visiting the DLOC is not required to obtain assistance.
