In every crisis affecting our region—from natural disasters to community crises—United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) has long been a trusted leader in recovery and resilience. The May 16 tornado was no exception.
Today, UWGSL announced United For Storm Recovery, an additional targeted investment of $1.3 million from funds raised to address ongoing and emerging needs one year after the storm. This includes $1 million to help cover unmet needs identified through disaster case management—so more residents can access the support they need.
UWGSL will invest $100,000 in the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Recovery Center, $50,000 in the 314 Oasis Resiliency Center, and $50,000 in the West Side Missionary Baptist Church Resiliency Center. An additional $100,000 investment in Home Sweet Home will help address critical gaps in beds and household goods for affected families.
How to Access Continued Support
For residents still navigating the recovery process, resources remain available:
- Disaster Case Management: Residents with unmet needs are encouraged to register for support through www.stlouis-mo.gov/tornado.
- Immediate Resources: Call 211 or visit 211helps.org 24/7 for help with food, utility assistance, and other essential services.
- Volunteer: Support continues to play a critical role in the recovery process. Community members interested in getting involved can find opportunities through United Way’s Volunteer Center at stlvolunteer.org.
A Year of Community Impact
In the immediate aftermath of the storm and over the past year, United Way of Greater St. Louis has mobilized resources, partnerships, and community support to meet urgent needs and drive long-term recovery.
- The 211 Referral Line assisted 3,207 neighbors seeking disaster assistance and completed 2,322 disaster intakes, connecting survivors to critical services such as food, debris clean-up, emergency shelter, and more.
- The Storm Relief Fund previously invested $2.28 million to support 13 nonprofit partners on the frontlines of recovery. This targeted investment, combined with ongoing monthly funding of more than $329,000, supported organizations including the American Red Cross, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Salvation Army, St. Louis Area Foodbank, Operation Food Search, Peter & Paul Community Services, and responding grassroots organizations.
- Through coordinated food truck deployment, 57,112 meals were delivered to impacted areas in partnership with the Currency of Caring Food Network.
- United Way is also serving as a fiscal agent for the City of St. Louis, administering $9.4 million, with more than $8 million already deployed, to support reimbursement for responding agencies, as well as disaster case management, resiliency centers, legal, and mental health services.
- UWGSL continues collaborating with Community Organizations Active in Disasters and the Long-Term Recovery Committee.
- The Volunteer Center engaged more than 7,000 volunteers, including employees from over 60 companies, along with labor and union partners, supporting storm response efforts ranging from debris removal and supply distribution to immediate repair work across the region.
“Our community showed what’s possible when we come together in the face of an immediate crisis,” said Michelle D. Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “United For Storm Recovery is about honoring that momentum—continuing to meet unmet needs, strengthening partnerships, and supporting neighbors not just in the aftermath of the storm, but throughout the recovery journey.”
UWGSL reminds the community that critical resources are available year-round through the 211 Referral Line. Residents can call 211 or visit 211helps.org to connect with the support they need.
Hear Veronica’s story of how she was helped:
About United Way of Greater St. Louis
United Way of Greater St. Louis unites people, resources, and funding to help build strong and equitable communities across a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. United Way’s impact on the community includes equipping over 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources, operating the largest Volunteer Center in the region, and connecting local neighbors to providers of services through its 211 Referral line. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.HelpingPeople.org.
