The City of St. Louis has received $2.9 million in federal grant funding from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue longterm recovery
services for residents affected by the May 16 EF3 tornado. The grant will fund 10
Disaster Case Managers through June 2027.
City officials said case managers have been working through approximately 1,200
individual cases, with new applications coming in each week. Their work had
previously been supported by interest earned on the Rams Settlement Fund, which
was expected to be depleted in August.
The city submitted its application for disaster case management support in
September 2025. The award follows Mayor Cara Spencer’s recent trip to
Washington, D.C., where she met with members of Missouri’s federal delegation to
request additional federal assistance.
“Our residents are at the heart of this recovery, and every family deserves the
support they need to recover and hopefully return to the neighborhoods they call
home,” Spencer said.
The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) submitted the
FEMA application and will oversee the program. SEMA Director Jim Remillard
said disaster case management plays a key role in helping families navigate
available resources.
“Disaster Case Management pairs families with a dedicated guide to support their
longterm recovery and stability,” Remillard said. “These specialists are trained to
connect individuals and households with resources and ongoing services.”
The United Way of Greater St. Louis will administer the FEMA grant and manage
service delivery in partnership with the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities,
LifeWise STL and HOPE. The federal funding becomes available August 1.
“This new funding is a lifeline for our residents,” Spencer said. “Anything we can
do to lend a hand during this difficult time is critical.”