Gov. Kathy Hochul announced new federal funding is available for tenants affected by a five-alarm fire that ripped through their Allerton apartment building on Jan. 10. Residents may apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Officials said the loans can help with critical repairs and replace destroyed property. Tenants can receive up to $100,000 to help repair or replace personal property and up to $500,000 to restore their home to pre-disaster condition. The Jan. 10 fire tore through the six-story apartment building at 2910 Wallace Ave., displacing more than 100 families.

The FDNY said the electrical fire started on the top floor and impacted 98 units. Displaced tenants and advocates told News 12 on Saturday they have mixed reactions about the governor’s announcement. “I will believe it when I see it because I don’t believe in anything they’re saying,” said Barbara Grullar, a displaced tenant who now lives in a shelter. “We haven’t had any help from no one.”

“I think [the funding] will be a blessing, but we need to make sure to watch the fine print and make sure [tenants] have a waiver where they can pay a year and a half later,” said Irene Estrada, an advocate and former president of the building’s tenant association. The application deadline for physical property damage is May 12. The deadline to apply for other federal assistance is Dec. 15.