By rssfeeds-admin 
Staff report
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — May 31, 2025 — Monroe County residents impacted by the EF-2 tornado that struck the region on May 16 can now apply for federal financial assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), local officials announced over the weekend.
The SBA has issued a disaster assistance declaration for Monroe County and surrounding areas, opening the door for long-term, low-interest loans to help homeowners, renters, and business owners recover from storm-related losses.
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will soon be established in Monroe County to assist with applications for both SBA disaster loans and the Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund. Details on the center’s location and operating hours will be released as soon as they are finalized.
The May 16 tornado, which hit around 7:30 p.m., caused widespread destruction across western and south-central Monroe County. Several homes and structures were damaged or destroyed, prompting the Monroe County Board of Commissioners to sign a local disaster declaration.
Debris Cleanup Underway
Monroe County is also coordinating a limited debris cleanup operation. Residents are responsible for clearing their own property, but the county has placed dumpsters at three locations within the tornado zone:
- Near Elwren and Harmony Road
- E. Jackson Creek Drive and S. Sandpiper Drive
- Lighthouse Christian Academy
Each site includes two dumpsters—one for yard and tree waste, and the other for household debris. The dumpsters will be available through Friday, June 6.
A fourth debris disposal site is available by appointment only at 7740 N. Fish Road. Appointments can be made by calling the Monroe County Waste Reduction District at 812-349-2020.
Residents are reminded not to drag debris to the roadside, as Monroe County will not collect debris from private property.
Assistance and Volunteer Coordination
The American Red Cross is now offering case management assistance at its Bloomington office, located at 441 S. College Ave. Residents can apply in person during these hours:
- Weekends: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Weekdays: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Applicants should bring an ID and proof of address.
While volunteers are not yet being deployed due to safety concerns, individuals can sign up to help future recovery efforts through the Bloomington Volunteer Network at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org.
Supplies Still Available
A limited number of tarps and storage totes are available for residents in need. To request supplies, call the Monroe County Emergency Management Office at 812-349-2533 and leave a message if necessary.
The post SBA Loans Now Available to Tornado Victims in Monroe County first appeared on The Bloomingtonian.
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