One year after the May 16 tornado, the United Way of Greater St. Louis announced an additional $1.3 million in recovery funding aimed at helping residents still struggling with housing, household needs and other storm-related challenges.
The new initiative, called “United for Storm Recovery,” includes $1 million to address unmet needs identified through disaster case management, according to the organization. The funding also includes grants to several recovery organizations operating in storm-affected neighborhoods.
Among the groups receiving support are the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, which will receive $100,000 for its recovery center; 314 Oasis and West Side Missionary Baptist Church, which will each receive $50,000 for resiliency center operations; and Home Sweet Home, which will receive $100,000 to help families replace beds and household furnishings lost in the storm.
Betsy Reznicek, executive director of Home Sweet Home, said she will use the grant to help 100 additional families affected by the tornado. Many families that found housing still lack the basic furnishings needed to feel settled, she said.
“It’s one thing to have a house or an apartment and be rehoused, but for many of these families, the final step is having an actual bed to sleep in or pots and pans to cook with,” Reznicek said.
Michelle D. Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, said many residents continue facing long-term recovery challenges.
“Our community showed what’s possible when we come together in the face of an immediate crisis,” Tucker said. “United for Storm Recovery is about continuing to meet unmet needs and supporting neighbors throughout the recovery journey.”
Tucker said residents still seeking assistance can register through the city’s tornado recovery portal at City of St. Louis tornado recovery portal. Residents also can contact the 211 referral line for help with food, utility assistance and other services through 211 Helps.
United Way said its 211 system handled more than 3,200 requests for tornado-related assistance during the past year and connected residents with services including food distribution, debris cleanup and temporary shelter.
The organization also said more than 7,000 volunteers participated in cleanup and recovery efforts following the storm.
A snapshot the United Way’s assistance
The United Way of Greater St. Louis released new figures outlining recovery funding, aid distribution and volunteer efforts tied to the ongoing response across St. Louis.
Storm recovery by the numbers
- $1.3 million in newly announced recovery funding
- $1 million earmarked for unmet needs identified through disaster case management
- $100,000 for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Recovery Center
- $50,000 each for the 314 Oasis and West Side Missionary Baptist Church resiliency centers
- $100,000 for Home Sweet Home to help replace beds and household goods
Recovery efforts over the past year
- 3,207 residents sought tornado assistance through the 211 referral line
- 2,322 disaster intake cases completed
- $2.28 million previously distributed through the Storm Relief Fund
- 13 nonprofit organizations supported through storm recovery funding
- More than $329,000 in ongoing monthly recovery funding
- 57,112 meals distributed through coordinated food truck operations
- $9.4 million administered for the City of St. Louis recovery effort
- More than $8 million already deployed for response and recovery programs
- More than 7,000 volunteers participated in cleanup and recovery efforts
- More than 60 companies participated in volunteer efforts alongside labor and union groups
How residents can seek help
- Register for disaster case management: City of St. Louis tornado recovery portal
- Call 211 or visit 211helps.org for assistance with food, utilities and other services
How residents can assist
- Volunteer opportunities are available through United Way’s Volunteer Center