
CIF emergency funding to assist industry members affected by Hurricane Helene, Milton
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Many throughout the nation are facing hardship following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton and this includes those in the collision repair industry.
The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is one resource those working in the industry can receive emergency relief from as they rebuild their lives.
Petra Schroeder, CIF secretary, said the organization has already received some applications from repairers affected by Hurricane Helene and she expects more.
“We understand that [in] the current situation, their least worry is to fill out an application,” Schroeder said.
As of Friday, at least 230 people across six states have been confirmed dead. At least 115 of the deaths are in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene which struck the southeast on Sept. 24, according to the Raleigh News & Observer.
About 50,000 residents remained without power in the western part of the state after mudslides spurred by heavy Hurricane Helene rainfall destroyed homes and businesses throughout the region.
Applicants also are expected from Hurricane Milton which made landfall in Siesta Key Florida late Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane.
As of Friday, at least 12 people were reported as killed in the storm that also destroyed and flooded homes and businesses, according to the New York Times. The storm also left more than 2.6 million people without power.
At least 340 people and 49 pets were rescued by Thursday afternoon, the wire service says.
Resources are available to anyone who works in the industry, Schroeder said. This includes individuals working in shops or in supporting roles outside of a shop.
Schroeder said the organization does not provide funds for businesses. However, she said a business owner could apply for funds for items like tools they personally owned.
To apply for assistance click here.
Individuals and business owners can also apply for assistance if they’ve lost personal property, such as a house, from a disaster.
Those wanting to donate to the fund can give a tax-exempt donation to the nonprofit by clicking here. Donations can be made once, monthly, quarterly, or annually. Donations can also be made by texting 734-366-4990.
Those who live in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia could also be eligible for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan. Loans can help repair damaged property owned by businesses of any size including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment.
Businesses can also apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan which helps meet financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of a disaster. The funds are meant to assist during a disaster recovery period.
Any business inside a federally declared disaster or emergency region can receive disaster tax relief from the IRS including special tax provisions that grant additional time for filing taxes. Taxpayers, including businesses, may also deduct disaster losses.
Images
Feature photo: Aftermath of Hurricane Helene near Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC. Photo courtesy of FS/iStock.