Families displaced by the Cottage Avenue fire in Mount Vernon say desperation is growing as a Jan. 2 deadline to close their temporary shelter at Holmes Elementary School approaches.

With Christmas days away, many say the stress of not knowing where they’ll go next is overwhelming.

The fire tore through their apartment building in November, leaving dozens without homes just as winter set in. This week, the U.S. Small Business Administration held an information session for fire victims, outlining disaster loan options that could help cover losses ranging from furniture and clothing to appliances and even damaged vehicles.

SBA officials say the loans are designed to be long-term and low-interest, available to homeowners, renters and small businesses. But for some families staying at the shelter, the application process itself feels daunting.

Anthony Caceres, who lost his home in the fire, says gathering paperwork and personal documents is difficult while his family remains displaced. With no permanent housing secured, he says he has no clear plan for what happens when the shelter closes.