Disaster Relief

Mayor Cara Spencer had requested a 60-day extension of the deadline, which was originally Aug. 11.

The funds can be used for home repairs and other needs. So far, nearly 7,000 applications have been approved.

After a tornado swept through the area just a month after Spencer took office, her original agenda was derailed. Here’s what she says accomplished, and struggled with, so far.

According to St. Louis city officials, over 780 businesses have reported damage from the May 16 tornado. Nearly one third of those businesses are in the 10th Ward.

The Nolan family faces a one-year wait before they can return to their north St. Louis home that was severely damaged by an EF3 tornado on May 16.

The programs are in partnership with a variety of local organizations and focus primarily on home repairs. Those impacted can apply for the programs on the city’s website.

The recovery center at the Chaifetz Arena is closing, but three new centers are opening in the most affected areas of St. Louis. Mayor Cara Spencer is encouraging those impacted by the May 16 tornado to apply for FEMA aid.

Residents can use the funds for short-term housing and for replacing groceries, clothing and other items lost during the storm.

As tornado recovery efforts continue across St. Louis, one person is trying to provide alternative housing for victims. His group, TinyHomeSTL, is also teaching trade skills to a new generation.

The funding was part of a three-year, $2 million grant that went toward outreach efforts at the Bullet Related Injury Clinic. The grant program began in October 2024 and was cut short in April.