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November 19, 2025

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION LEADS TO FEDERAL DISASTER RELIEF FOR RED HOOK FIRE RECOVERY

Disaster Loan Outreach Center Opens Today

NEW YORK — Federal disaster assistance is now available for the Red Hook community following the September 17 five-alarm warehouse fire, thanks to a coordinated effort led by NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM). The U.S. Small Business Administration approved Governor Kathy Hochul's request for a disaster declaration, unlocking critical low-interest loans to support long-term recovery for affected businesses, nonprofits, and residents.

NYCEM coordinated the comprehensive multi-agency effort that made this declaration possible. In the weeks following the fire, NYCEM brought together the Department of Cultural Affairs' NYC Create in Place Program, NYC Small Business Services, the Red Hook Business Alliance, and elected officials including U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, NYS Senator Andrew Gounardes, and NYC Council Member Alexa Aviles to conduct damage assessments, survey affected businesses, and document economic losses across the neighborhood. The agency facilitated a site visit, organized meetings with organizations to gather first-hand accounts of impact, and compiled detailed data on physical damage to commercial spaces, and cultural facilities. NYCEM worked closely with community partners who had direct relationships with affected artists, small manufacturers, and business owners to ensure no losses went undocumented.

This collaborative process produced the comprehensive impact assessment and supporting documentation required for a successful federal disaster declaration request. By ensuring state officials received accurate, timely, and detailed information, including economic injury data, business displacement figures, and community recovery timelines, NYCEM helped build the case that led to Governor Hochul's request and the SBA's approval.

"Red Hook is a strong, resilient neighborhood with unique character, from its creative spaces and cultural institutions to its small businesses and manufacturing community. Sadly, this fire dealt a serious blow to families, artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations that are at the heart of this waterfront community," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "Hats off to our Emergency Management team for doing what they do best: coordinating across agencies, working with community partners on the ground, and gathering the critical data needed to demonstrate the full scope of impact to our state and federal partners. Thanks to our federal and state partners, we're delivering real resources that will help impacted Red Hook businesses and residents rebuild, reopen, and come back stronger.”

"The fire at 481 Van Brunt Street required more than 200 firefighters to battle a five-alarm blaze through the night, and I want to recognize the extraordinary work of our Fire Department," said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. "This fire destroyed irreplaceable artwork from more than 500 artists, displaced creative professionals, and threatened the cultural fabric that makes Red Hook unique. As an agency responsible for 8.4 million New Yorkers, we don't just respond during emergencies. We coordinate recovery after them. Our teams worked with community partners to document every loss and gather the data needed to successfully request federal support. The SBA disaster declaration gives businesses, nonprofits, and residents the financial resources they need to move forward. This is what emergency management looks like: being there for New Yorkers from the first alarm through long-term recovery."

"SBS is grateful for NYCEM, community members, and elected partners in Red Hook for their partnership and resilience in the aftermath of such a devastating fire," said SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross. "Our Emergency Response Unit has been on the ground assisting small business owners, artists, and others impacted by this disaster, connecting them with free legal consultations, timely information, emergency financing assistance, and other tools vital to recovery. Thanks to the SBA's declaration, additional resources will be made available, including critical Economic Injury Disaster and Physical Disaster Loans. As we work towards recovery, we want everyone in Red Hook - and across the city - to know: we have your back."

“Red Hook is home to one of our city's most storied and vibrant creative communities, and this fire destroyed crucial creative workspaces that housed artists, cultural organizations, and small manufacturers central to the neighborhood's identity and economy. Through our NYC Create in Place program, our partnership with NYCEM and the Red Hook Business Alliance helped ensure that the losses experienced by this vital community of artists and creative workers were documented and recognized. Thanks to this much-needed declaration, federal support can now help these working artists and small businesses begin to recover,” said NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo.

Who Is Eligible

The disaster declaration covers Kings County (Brooklyn) as the primary county, with eligibility extended to New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), and Hudson County, New Jersey.

 

Available Loan Programs

 

For Businesses and Private Nonprofits:

• Physical Disaster Loans: Up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property, equipment, inventory, and other assets
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Covers working capital needs including payroll, fixed debts, and accounts payable

 

For Homeowners:

• Up to $500,000 to repair or replace primary residences
• Additional 20% loan increase available for mitigation projects that reduce future risk

 

For Homeowners and Renters:

• Up to $100,000 to replace personal property including vehicles, clothing, furniture, and appliances

 

Get Help Applying

NYC Emergency Management encourages all affected residents, businesses, and nonprofits to visit the Disaster Loan Outreach Center for assistance.

 

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Red Hook Business Alliance

184 Van Dyke Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

 

Opening: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sunday

Hours: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. in observance of Thanksgiving

Holiday Temporary Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27

Hours: Friday, Nov. 28, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in observance of Thanksgiving Holiday Permanently

Closes: Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.

SBA specialists will provide one-on-one assistance with applications and recovery guidance. Walk-ins welcome. Schedule appointments at appointment.sba.gov.

 

How to Apply

• Online: sba.gov/disaster
• Phone: 800-659-2955
• Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
• TTY: Dial 711 for relay services
  
  Important: Do not wait for insurance settlements before applying. SBA can issue loans for the full verified loss up to program limits, with insurance proceeds used to repay or reduce the loan.
  

 

Application Deadlines:

• Physical Damage: January 13, 2026
• Economic Injury: August 14, 2026
  

 

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