Originally uploaded to flickr by BAR Photography.
The storm that blew through on Sunday, July 25th, took quite a toll with toppled trees, scattered debris, power outages and intersections without street lights for days. It came on so suddenly that Eastern Market merchants were caught unprepared, sustaining significant damage to their displays and inventory.
To help these business owners get back on track, Flea Market at Eastern Market manager Tom Rall announced a micro loan program. According to the Flea Market’s newsletter this month, Rall has started the program with $20,000. The intention is to give small, low interest loans ($500-$1000) that can be paid back over one or two years, depending on the size of the loan. The money could help exhibitors fix or replace assets damaged during the storm.
Good luck to merchants getting back on their feet!
It won’t be the last storm. Perhaps they can use some of the loans to purchase insurance.
I’m confused. DC Alerts and various weather outlets were very clear in giving hours warning up to a final “fifteen minutes out” alert telling people to take cover. I had time to go down and secure boats and the local marina, move the car out from under any trees, secure our patio furniture etc. How could anyone have been caught off guard?