Show-Me State Times

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established disaster assistance centers in St. Louis to aid residents affected by recent tornadoes. The first center is located at Union Tabernacle M.B. Church on North Newstead Avenue and operates from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., remaining closed on Sundays. FEMA, alongside the U.S. Small Business Administration, will assist residents with their disaster assistance applications and provide necessary support.

Residents are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance before visiting the centers by calling 1-800-621-3362 or applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Those unable to apply online or via phone can receive help at the Disaster Recovery Center.

InvestSTL has introduced the Northside Resilience Fund aimed at supporting families in North St. Louis displaced by the tornadoes. This initiative plans to provide direct cash assistance to around 1,300 households most impacted by the storm.

The City of St. Louis continues its support through a Disaster Assistance Center located at Chaifetz Arena, open until Thursday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The center offers various resources including vaccines, mental health care, legal aid, and job programs.

The People’s Response is concluding its operations this week at Kingdom Church on West Florissant Avenue and is accepting donations until June 28th. Needed items include food supplies like peanut butter and jelly, hygiene products such as adult diapers and shampoo, pet food, baby supplies like jarred baby food and wipes, household items including dish soap and bleach, as well as other materials like batteries and can openers.

A resource distribution event organized by The Urban League will take place on June 28th from noon to 3 p.m., offering food and toiletries at their headquarters on North Kingshighway.

Volunteers are needed for ongoing relief efforts; opportunities are available through The United Way of Greater St. Louis and Action St. Louis/The People’s Response's online volunteer centers.

Donations are being collected for the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund managed with the St. Louis Community Foundation for immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding initiatives.

Businesses affected by the storms can access an assessment form provided by the St. Louis Development Corporation to determine their needs post-disaster.

For further information or resources related to relief efforts, individuals can visit the City's dedicated page or contribute to additional funds such as the United Way of Greater St. Louis Severe Storm/Tornado Relief Fund supporting broader regional recovery efforts.