New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the state has secured a Physical Disaster Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Westchester County and its neighboring counties of Putnam, Rockland, and Bronx. The declaration follows a federal review that determined 88 apartments were damaged in a fire at a Mount Vernon apartment building on November 23, 2025, with losses totaling more than $1.8 million.
“My heart goes out to all those impacted by this tragic fire, and my Administration is committed to supporting the Mount Vernon community as they continue to recover,” Governor Hochul said. “That is why I secured federal relief for New Yorkers impacted by the November 23rd fire, and this designation is vital to helping the recovery efforts of homeowners, renters and business owners in this area.”
The disaster declaration makes several groups eligible for low-interest SBA loans. Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 to repair their primary residences. Both homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property that was damaged or destroyed. Business owners can seek up to $2 million for replacing real property, inventories, machinery, equipment, and other physical losses. In addition, businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help maintain working capital until normal operations resume after the disaster.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray stated: “A fire of this scale is devastating at any time, but especially this time of year. It’s critical that New Yorkers have access to the support they need to recover, and these loans will go a long way in making that happen. Thanks to Governor Hochul and our federal partners for working to ensure these resources are available.”
Applications can be submitted online through the MySBA Loan Portal or at locations that will be announced locally. Assistance is available via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-659-2955; telecommunications relay services are accessible by dialing 7-1-1. The deadline for physical loan applications is February 17, 2026; economic injury loan applications are due by September 16, 2026.
Senator Charles Schumer commented: “The Small Business Administration’s disaster designation means that Westchester families and business owners can get the assistance they desperately need after last month’s devastating fire in Mount Vernon. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s work helping New York families get back on their feet and will always fight to deliver federal resources to help New Yorkers.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand added: “It is critical that homeowners, renters, and small businesses in Westchester and contiguous counties have access to the federal support and funding they need to recover after November’s devastating fire. I joined Governor Hochul in advocating for this critical assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration, and I will continue working to deliver the federal resources communities across our state need in the wake of disasters.”
Representative George Latimer said: “As victims of the fire in Mount Vernon – in a location one block away from where I once lived – work to rebuild and recover, it is critical that partners across all levels of government work to address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I understand the incredible value of Small Business Administration disaster assistance in making our communities whole again. This declaration is an example of the federal government fulfilling its promise to support disaster victims, and I commend Governor Hochul and our local officials for their partnership in making this assistance available.”
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard also expressed appreciation: “My heart is with the 102 families who lost their homes in the five-alarm fire this past November. I want to thank Governor Hochul for securing this disaster designation, which will provide critical relief for Mount Vernon residents as they work to rebuild their lives. This support ensures that families can access the help they need during an incredibly difficult time and reflects a strong commitment to standing with our community throughout the recovery process.”
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services coordinates statewide efforts related to terrorism response as well as natural disasters such as fires.
For more information about emergency alerts or updates from DHSES visit dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
