Action St. Louis mobilizes tornado relief at YMCA after the storm
It's been 18 days since the tornado hit and volunteers with Action St. Louis have mobilized at the YMCA in the city's O'Fallon Park neighborhood. A spokesperson for the grassroots organization says they'll continue to help storm victims pick up the pieces and move forward.
Action St. Louis didn't wait for funding or red tape. They moved when needed and are still here to meet the moment.
'This is the people response. We are a hub that is 100% people-powered,' spokesperson Aleidra Allen said. 'The night of the tornado, we put out a Google form to just start recruiting volunteers so we could be a service to our people and try to meet any immediate needs.'
What began as a pop-up site is now a full-scale community relief hub that's helping thousands.
Kehoe, White House offer differing status updates of federal disaster assistance for May 16 tornadoes
'At our hub, people can get various services around things like getting things boarded up, tarps, debris clean-up, and also things like home goods, cleaning supplies, paper towels, flashlights, hygiene items; they can also get nonperishable food, diapers,' Allen said.
Renee Lockett, whose home was destroyed by the tornado, says she's been living in her car for the past 18 days.
'I lost everything – my clothes, my food; practically everything I own,' Lockett said. 'I can't do nothing but get help and I'm ready to receive it and I'm grateful for it.'
Action St. Louis pointed Lockett to where she could seek temporary housing and additional help. The organization's work is far from over, though. They're calling on the public to keep the momentum going with donations, supplies, and time.
'We will be here and we will continue to show up until we feel that there is a sustainable plan in place to ensure that our people will get the long-term care that they need,' Allen said.
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