Show-Me State Times

The City of St. Louis, in collaboration with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and Saint Louis University (SLU), has launched a Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) to aid residents affected by the tornado on May 16. The center opened on June 9 at Chaifetz Arena, located at 1 South Compton Avenue, St. Louis.

Mayor Cara Spencer emphasized the importance of having a centralized location for recovery resources, stating, "As we move from responding to helping residents put their lives back together, it is critical that a one-stop place like the Disaster Assistance Center makes it as convenient as possible for residents to get the resources they need on the road to recovery." She expressed gratitude for community efforts post-tornado.

The DAC will operate on specific dates in June: 9-12, 16-18, and 23-26. Residents are encouraged to register online or call United Way at 211 if unable to access the internet. Appointments are hourly, with services taking up to 90 minutes.

Attendees must bring photo identification and proof of address if not listed on their ID. The Missouri Department of Revenue will provide assistance with replacing driver's licenses and vehicle titles.

Available services include vaccines, emotional support, mental health care, legal assistance, job programs, and insurance guidance. SLU President Fred P. Pestello stated, "We are grateful that we can support this effort to connect those affected by the tornado with essential services that will help them begin the recovery process."

Participating organizations include Salvation Army, American Red Cross, various Missouri state departments, Affinia Healthcare, BJC Behavioral Health, Employment Connections, and others. Additional organizations may join.

Parking is available at Olive-Compton parking garage with mobility assistance provided from there to Chaifetz Arena's Entrance C.

Adam Pearson from St. Louis City Department of Human Services remarked on the community's ability to unite during crises: “St. Louis has proved countless times that we can pull together when we need to.”

A housing fair is scheduled for June 17 at the DAC site in partnership with St. Louis Housing Authority.

Residents can find ongoing updates about tornado recovery efforts on the city's website.