Immediate Action in the Wake of the Storm
Within minutes following the May 16th storm, our dedicated 211 team immediately shifted into disaster response mode, ensuring affected neighbors were aware of available shelters, hotels, and supplies for those unable to access or remain in their homes. This swift action was critical in providing safe and sanitary overnight assistance.
Coordinated Disaster Response Across the Region
United Way has also been leading daily meetings with Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), including agencies like American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. We are also connecting daily with the Mayor’s Office, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and numerous emergency response offices. These collaborations help United Way assess ongoing needs for cleanup supplies, food, and volunteers, ensuring a coordinated and thoughtful response to the aftermath of the storm.
Volunteer Mobilization
Our Volunteer Center has been operating in disaster response mode since May 16, actively registering volunteers to build a robust support network that’s ready to deploy as soon as it’s safe to do so. This system notifies volunteers quickly when there is a call to action once a site is deemed safe for deployment. Whether helping with cleanup or offering skilled labor for home repairs and heavy equipment operations, every helping hand counts. Community members can visit https://www.stlvolunteer.org/disaster to register and view current opportunities and donation needs.
Supporting Immediate and Long-Term Recovery
The damage caused by this storm has been unimaginable, requiring both immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
Immediately following the storm, United Way quickly launched a storm relief giving platform and partnered with KSDK 5 On Your Side for a two-day awareness campaign that included news features, a giving QR code on screen during broadcasts, and consistent messaging about how to get and give help.
Through the generosity of our community, donations to our Storm Relief Fund are currently supporting food, shelter, and cleanup initiatives administered by disaster-related partners. An infusion of $350,000 in support has been assigned to Action St. Louis, AmeriCorps St. Louis, American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis, Catholic Charities of St. Louis, The Salvation Army, and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
As we look toward the future, we recognize the importance of stretching these funds to cover longer-term needs, which highlights the importance of continued contributions. We urge everyone to continue donating as every dollar donated makes a significant impact.
If you would like to support the storm efforts, visit helpingpeople.org/stormrelief.
Gratitude for Community Support
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the major organizations, companies, and individuals who have supported these collaborative efforts, including Ameren Missouri, American Metal Supply, Anheuser-Busch, ArchBridge Family Office, The Cigna Group Foundation, Edward Jones, Emerson, Enterprise Mobility, Essence Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services, Goldstein Group/Alter Trading Corp., HBM Holdings, KSDK 5 On Your Side, James McDonnell Foundation, Mississippi Lime, Moneta, Nestle Purina Petcare Company, Post Holdings, Inc, Regional Business Council, Spire, Steward Family Foundation, St. Johns Bank & Trust Company, and many others with matching gift programs like McCarthy, Busey, Bayer, and the St. Louis Blues for hosting a 50/50 drawing.
Thank you to KSDK 5 On Your Side for the incredible partnership and continued coverage to inform and uplift the community.
It’s times like these that emphasize the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.
Let’s continue to come together, St. Louis. Your support is invaluable!
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Michelle Tucker
President and CEO
