NORWICH, Conn. -- Since fire destroyed the Peachtree Apartments in Norwich, Gov. Jodi M. Rell has requested financial assistance for the victims. Tuesday, the United States Small Business Administration has answered her call.

Daniel Aimetti and Melanie Banta are one couple who lost everything in the April 26 blaze.

“I never woke up to anybody screaming before,” said Daniel Aimetti, a victim of the fire.

“We're starting from scratch -- we lost our clothes,” said Melanie Banta. “I lost my engagement ring. … We lost all of our wedding stuff that we did to plan. We lost it all.”

More than 150 people once called the complex home and now have nothing. They have gone to the Norwich city manager's office to get help from the U.S. Small Business Administration for financial help.

“The first thing is the amount they're eligible (for). It has to be for uninsured and uncompensated losses,” said Ed Jekot of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “The criteria is good credit and that they're able to repay the financing that we provide.”

Fire victims have until Friday to get an application for loan assistance. Depending on their credit standing, they might be eligible for loans up to $40,000 to replace what they lost in the fire.

SBA is offering the loans at rates around 3 percent.