Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recent 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, the Shapiro Administration has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP) which provides grants to individuals and families through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).
“The fire at the Oak Forest Apartments that pushed families from their homes has created hardship on this community,” said Gov. Shapiro. “We quickly worked to secure federal low-interest loans for these families and teamed up with our local partners to establish a community assistance center and activate the Commonwealth’s disaster assistance grants to help people seek temporary housing and recoup unexpected losses. We will continue to work closely with local officials to ensure this community has the support they need to recover."
This fire displaced 50 people from their homes, upending their lives and routines in a matter of minutes. The Shapiro Administration 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.
— PEMA Director Randy Padfield
"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. “Berks County and the Board of Commissioners are grateful to Governor Shapiro, PEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration for responding quickly and making these critical resources available. We also recognize the skilled efforts of the county's first responders that helped to ensure the safety of the victims. 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.
DLOC Location:
Chabad-Lubavitch of Berks County
2320 Hampden Blvd.
Reading PA 19604
DLOC Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
Saturday and Sunday the DLOC is closed
The DLOC permanently closes Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Alternatively, paper loan applications can be downloaded here. Completed paper applications can be dropped off in-person at the DLOC or mailed to:
U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155-2243
Commonwealth DRAP grants are intended for homeowners and renters who meet lower income thresholds, are uninsured or underinsured, and have not received other local, state, federal, non-governmental, or private aid. Eligible households may receive DRAP grants of up to $15,000 to help cover temporary housing and rental expenses or replace essential personal property.
Renters impacted by the Oak Forest Apartment Complex fire are encouraged to visit the PEMA website at pa.gov/ready/drap to see if they qualify for DRAP grants. The DRAP application portal will open on Monday, June 29, 2026. All DRAP applications must be submitted by Sunday, Sep. 27, 2026.
Those affected by the Oak Forest Apartment Complex fire who still have critical needs can contact PA211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting 898-211, or via online chat at pa211.org to be connected with local resources.