Ways to Help or Get Help With Tornado Recovery

Date Posted: September 3, 2025

Posted In: Organizations, People, Projects, What we are thinking about,

People and companies from across the construction industry have been stepping up with donations of both materials and effort to assist in the early stages of recovery from the May 16th tornado.

Here are some ways in which you can connect if you want to help or find assistance.

City of St. Louis Recovery Programs

The City of St. Louis has launched new recovery programs to address urgent repair needs, provide trusted technical guidance, and protect homeowners from fraud or further damage. The four new initiatives now underway are:

Emergency Stabilization Program, which provides immediate weatherization to prevent further damage.
Electricity Reconnection Program, which provides free electrical assessments and repairs to restore service (up to $4,000 per household).
Ask An Architect, which provides free, in-person consultations with licensed architects to help residents understand damage and plan their next steps.
Contractor Registry, to help protect residents against fraud and ensure recovery work is done safely.

Those needing assistance from these programs can call 311 or submit a Tornado Property Damage Assistance Request online at: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/neighborhood-stabilization-office/citizens-service-bureau/csb-request-submit.cfm

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St. Louis City Resources

Response and recovery resources for the May 2025 City of St. Louis tornado

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St. Louis Development Corporation’s (SLDC) Resources

SLDC’s July 10 Newsletter – SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC); STL Recovers Portal; SLDC Business Assessment; Become a Registered Tornado Recovery Contractor; and more.

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Resources gathered/provided by Greater St. Louis Inc.
Includes updated list of items needed for the recovery efforts — including food, general supplies, infant & hygiene products.

Update on Tornado Recovery Efforts: Wednesday, July 2

Volunteers Needed – In addition to supplies, volunteers are still needed. For additional volunteer opportunities, The United Way of Greater St. Louis and Action St. Louis/The People’s Response have established online volunteer centers.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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Resources gathered by St. Louis Magazine:

https://www.stlmag.com/news/st-louis-tornado-relief-ways-to-help/

https://www.stlmag.com/health/st-louis-tornado-mental-health/

https://www.stlmag.com/culture/events-tornado-relief-efforts/

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Supplies requested by construction/cleanup volunteers (May 29, 2025).
(Please contact Aaron Williams and Christie Brinkman if you are able to provide any of these items.)

Rock Rakes
Roof Wet Patch
Pole Saws
Loppers
40-foot Ladders
Circular Saws
Saw Horses

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Resources gathered by Deaconess Foundation:

Local Resources and Support for St. Louisans Impacted by the May 16, 2025 Tornado

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Resources gathered by Guarantee Electrical:

Financial Donations

• United Way STL Area Severe Storm/Tornado Relief Fund: Visit helpingpeople.org — Funds will be distributed to agencies providing immediate and long-term recovery.

• Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Humanitarian Fund: Visit ulstl.com/donatenow — Focused on supporting north St. Louis neighborhoods with essential services.

• American Red Cross Greater St. Louis Chapter: Visit https://www.redcross.org/local/missouri.html — Providing emergency shelter, food, and supplies.

• Salvation Army: Visit https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/midland/ — Offering mobile meals and emotional support in affected areas.

• Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis — Providing emergency utility assistance for those affected by the tornado. https://heatupstlouis.org/donations/

Volunteer Opportunities

• Urban League Volunteer Coordination: Call 314-337-3683 to register as a volunteer for cleanup efforts.

• United Way Volunteer Connection: Visit stlvolunteer.org to sign up for disaster response volunteer opportunities.

• St. Louis City Volunteer Registration: Register through the city’s official recovery website at stlouis-mo.gov/tornado

• American Red Cross: Trained disaster response volunteers needed — apply through their website. https://www.redcross.org/local/missouri/volunteer.html

Material Donations

• Urban League Donation Center: 1408 N. Kingshighway Blvd — Accepting tarps, lumber, plywood, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items.