Homeowners and renters in Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe and Northfield whose properties were damaged in the Monday, July 27 storms can now apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest federal loans to repair or replace real estate, with a filing deadline of Monday, Oct. 19.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is opening Disaster Loan Outreach Centers this week for Cook County residents and businesses affected by the severe storms that knocked out power to more than 1,000 Wilmette homes, downed trees across the North Shore and caused flooding along streets from Green Bay Road to the lakefront. The Chicago Pullman Branch center opened Thursday, Aug. 20; the suburban Cook County center in Hazel Crest opens Friday, Aug. 21.
In Wilmette alone, the village received nearly 200 service requests for storm damage. Village Manager Michael Braiman told the Village Board on July 28 that some parts of Wilmette recorded more than 4 inches of rain within hours, describing the totals as "an incredible amount of rainfall."
What's available
According to Cook County's announcement, the SBA program offers:
- Homeowners and renters: Up to $500,000 for damaged or destroyed real estate; up to $100,000 for personal property such as appliances and furniture
- Businesses and some nonprofits: Up to $2 million for physical damages
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Available to small businesses and private nonprofits that suffered financial losses from the storm (deadline: May 18, 2027)
The loans cover damages not already covered by insurance. The disaster declaration covers Cook, Will, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois, plus Lake County, Indiana.
Where to apply
The suburban Cook County DLOC is at the Village of Hazel Crest, 3601 W. 183rd St., open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Sept. 4. A second center at the Chicago Public Library's Pullman Branch, 11001 S. Indiana Ave., is open through Sept. 3. Residents can visit either location regardless of where they live, and each site has a Spanish translator available.
Walk-ins are accepted. Residents can also apply online at sba.gov/disaster, schedule an appointment at appointment.sba.gov, or call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
How we got here
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a disaster proclamation on July 30, the formal step that enabled the county to pursue federal resources. The Monday, July 27 storms spawned seven confirmed tornadoes across the Chicago area, with winds reaching 80 to 90 mph. More than 530,000 ComEd customers lost power regionwide, and power outages, downed trees and flooding were reported across Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe and Skokie.
"My administration will continue standing with residents, supporting local recovery efforts and pursuing all available resources to help communities rebuild," Preckwinkle said July 30 when she signed the proclamation.
Wilmette's Neighborhood Storage Project stormwater infrastructure collected approximately 3.5 million gallons of water at Hibbard Park, Thornwood Park and Community Playfields during the storm, according to the Record North Shore. The physical property damage application deadline is Monday, Oct. 19.
