United for Storm Relief

Rapid Response and Coordination

On May 16^th, our 211 team quickly transitioned into crisis response mode to ensure individuals and families were aware of available shelters, hotel options, and other critical resources. This swift action helped connect many to safe locations and necessary supplies at a time when access to their homes was no longer possible. So far, our 211 team has assisted more than 2,300 people who have reached out to 211 requesting help with storm recovery, and we continue to receive calls regarding this daily.

Within 24 hours of the storm, UWGSL began daily coordination with Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) which included UWGSL nonprofit partners like American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis, The Salvation Army of Greater St. Louis, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and others. We also began connecting daily with the mayor’s office, The Missouri State Emergency Management (SEMA), and numerous emergency response offices. These collaborative meetings have been essential in assessing and responding to emerging needs such as cleanup supplies, food, and volunteer support.

Volunteer Mobilization

UWGSL’s Volunteer Center has been operating in disaster response mode since the storms, receiving and registering spontaneous volunteers so they were ready and deployed as soon as it was safe to do so. To date, we have connected over 5,700 unique and repeat volunteers to disaster related opportunities. We continue to post disaster related efforts daily across a range of needs – from basic cleanup efforts to skilled labor for home repairs and heavy equipment operations. To date, our Labor Team has helped to recruit dozens of skilled labor volunteers who have helped with construction, plumbing, technical support, and more.  We continue to encourage community members to visit STLVolunteer.org/disaster to register and view current volunteer opportunities and donation needs.

Fundraising and Relief Efforts

Within a week of the storm, UWGSL activated its Storm Relief Fund that supports food, shelter, and cleanup initiatives administered by disaster-related partners. 

We have funded more than $2 million in recovery efforts supporting 15 nonprofits on the frontlines assisting our neighbors, some of those nonprofits include: American Red Cross, Urban League, Salvation Army, St. Louis Area Foodbank, Operation Food Search, Peter & Paul Community Services, and more.

To assist in these efforts, Schnucks and Dierbergs initiated Round Ups to allow customers to donate to the Storm Relief Fund at checkout. The Schnucks Round Up contributed $55,000 to United Way, and the Dierbergs Round Up brought in over $39,000.

Also, KSDK’s Show Me St. Louis hosted a United Way Takeover show focused on our upcoming community campaign, kicking off on August 26th, where we spotlighted our nonprofit partners – Operation Food Search, Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, St. John’s Community Care, and NPower. The show included a QR code to donate to United Way that was displayed on the screen during the entire show.

As the premier community partner of the St. Louis Battlehawks, through their Community Hustle Initiative, the team coordinated multiple ways to help the community during the XFL Conference Championship Game on June 8^th in which they raised over $6,000 for our Storm Relief Fund.

Additionally, this year, a portion of the proceeds from all ticket, concession, merchandise and parking sales at Evolution Festival will directly benefit UWGSL’s disaster recovery efforts. Evolution Festival has pledged a minimum, guaranteed donation of $100,000 to UWGSL for this crucial initiative.

Corporate Engagement

Numerous companies across the region have swiftly mobilized their employees to meet urgent community needs. Whether deploying small teams of two or large groups of up to 100, these organizations have contributed through a wide range of efforts – hosting supply drives, clearing debris, boarding windows, tarping roofs, cleaning streets, sorting and distributing supplies, and assisting with feeding, sheltering, and wellness checks.

Multiple employers have also integrated disaster-related volunteer opportunities into their internal communications and corporate social responsibility strategies. By aligning with the coordinated efforts led by UWGSL’s Volunteer Center, they help ensure that volunteers are placed where the need is greatest.

Recovery from these devastating storms is an ongoing process that will take long-term commitment. The challenges ahead can seem daunting at times, but UWGSL has a 103-year history of being here for our community when it needs us most, and we intend to continue that effort as we navigate these latest obstacles.