Show-Me State Times

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expanded its efforts to assist residents affected by the recent tornado in North St. Louis by opening three disaster assistance centers. These centers are located at Union Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Sumner High School, and the Urban League Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center. FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are on-site to aid residents with their applications for disaster assistance, answer questions, and upload necessary documents.

Residents impacted by the tornado are encouraged to apply for FEMA aid promptly. The assistance can be used for hotel vouchers, replacing property, and other needs. Applications can be submitted online or via phone prior to visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

Operations at Kingdom Church by The People’s Response will conclude on Saturday, June 28. They have requested additional volunteers and specific supplies including large reusable bags, food items like peanut butter and jelly, hygiene products such as shampoo and toothpaste, baby supplies like diapers, and household items including dish soap.

The Urban League is organizing another community giveaway event on June 28 at their headquarters on North Kingshighway where food, toiletries, and other resources will be distributed.

For those interested in supporting recovery efforts through donations of materials or volunteering time, several opportunities exist through various organizations such as The United Way of Greater St. Louis.

InvestSTL has launched the Northside Resilience Fund aimed at providing direct cash assistance to families displaced by the tornado. Additionally, relief funds have been established by the City of St. Louis and United Way of Greater St. Louis to support immediate relief efforts as well as long-term rebuilding initiatives.

Businesses impacted by the storm can utilize an assessment form set up by the St. Louis Development Corporation to identify their needs following the disaster.

For more information about available resources or volunteer opportunities, individuals can refer to online platforms provided by local organizations involved in recovery efforts.