As parts of the St. Louis region, especially the city’s northside, are just taking the first steps on a road to recovery, Erion “Prop Man” Johnson, a contractor, truly embodies the spirit of community support.
Following the devastating EF3 tornado on May 16th, 2025, Johnson rallied a group of local teenagers and young men to work on an imaginative initiative. Together, they are building tiny homes for individuals and families in the most affected neighborhoods who tragically lost everything in the storm.
Johnson calls his young volunteers “the new army,” as they help rebuild their community and use the experience as a source of empowerment.
While new to the trades industry, they are learning valuable skills. At six different stations, mentors are guiding them in using tools, proper use of safety equipment, and fostering teamwork at the Wesley House community center parking lot in the Penrose neighborhood.
The Penrose neighborhood is one of many communities that were hit the hardest by the tornado.
“When someone asks them 10 years from now, ‘what did they do during the St. Louis tornado?’ they can say we built houses for those who didn’t have anywhere to live,” said Johnson, who began teaching carpentry to young people in 2017.
The contractor gives new meaning to boots on the ground. His team is providing crucial assistance to those left unhoused by the tornado. His direct and meaningful action is exactly what the city needs.
“We are teaching how to care for our community and giving back,” he said.
15-year-old Jeremiah McCoy, a former resident of the Penrose neighborhood, said he feels “a sense of responsibility to give back to the community where he used to live.”
He is learning essential carpentry skills which “could really help us in the future.”
“When it is all said and done, when we look back, we are going to feel really good about the work we have done,” he said.
The group hopes to construct at least 100 tiny homes during the summer months for individuals scattered by the tornadoes.
Eric Wilson is one of the dedicated mentors making a difference in the St. Louis community. Like many who are committed to rebuilding, Wilson comes from and works within the neighborhoods that were most severely impacted.
He was previously working at the Wesley House community center, which sustained roof and water damage from the storm. The center actively supported different segments of the community by providing food, serving the elderly, and offering support to young people.
“We are ramping up everything we’ve already been doing,” said Wilson when talking about community efforts before the May 16 tornado.
He said the youths can take the knowledge Johnson is sharing and apply it to their everyday lives.
“We are teaching self-sustainability,” he said.
Johnson said he immediately realized there would be urgent need for adequate housing for tornado victims in communities north of Delmar. The estimated damage the tornado has caused amounts to $1.6 billion, and approximately 10,000 buildings, homes, businesses, and churches sustained damage or were destroyed.
Mayor Cara Spencer recently announced that $5 million from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act fund will be allocated to help stabilize homes in these affected areas.
The positive impact of this work will be amplified as Johnson focuses on establishing partnerships. Johnson’s initial efforts have garnered the attention of the SLATE Missouri Job Center.
Through their Summer Youth Employment Program, SLATE is introducing “Community Impact Intern” positions. This initiative offers individuals aged 18-24 the opportunity to develop valuable job skills while contributing to storm relief efforts. Participants in these positions will be compensated at a rate of $15 per hour for their work.
“We want to save St. Louis and rebuild St. Louis, and it starts with the young people,” said Johnson.