Latest news with #St.Louisans
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
A tribute to rebuilding St. Louis in verse
ST. LOUIS — Ravaged by a ruthless tornado, we're now faced with the challenge of rebuilding the gateway city—not just homes and businesses but the spirit of St. Louis, too. Over the last month, the resilience we have seen has been astounding. Mike Colombo shows us the signs of hope amid so much heartache. You can really see the darkness in the sky as that storm intensifies along the Missouri river.' On a mid-May Friday, skies turned dark. A deadly storm headed for Forest Park. Nature's nastiness on full display, devouring roofs along the way. Wicked winds tortured trees and hurled debris. The view from above when the violent storm passed confirmed our fears and made us gasp. Mangled metal littered trees and poles. Toppled homes left blocks with holes. Lives and homes splintered, a powerless position, but St. Louisans understand the mission. That need has prompted the response we've seen from those who've heeded the call to clean. From cooking and clothing to cash donations—there are glimmers of hope in this devastation. While the progress is positive, make no mistake, what many lost here can't be replaced. Not just homes, but history, the stuff money can't buy. Gone in an instant without a goodbye. Yes, life goes on, a new day will dawn. Out of sight, out of mind; it's how some move on. For those who can't, our town must commit to rebuilding St. Louis brick by brick. Poem by Mike Colombo Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heavy rain hampers tornado recovery efforts for residents
ST. LOUIS – The tornado that hit just weeks ago caused $1.6 billion in damage and in neighborhoods where homes are still covered in tarps. The heavy rain on Wednesday led to more water leaks and growing fears of mold and further structural damage. 'It's just sad because a lot of people out here are homeless and stuff and they just leave it out here to get ruined and people could really use that stuff,' said Corinne Murphy. Piles of donated clothes were soaked through. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Still, despite the downpour, people showed up rummaging through wet items, trying to find anything dry or salvageable. This storm is a harsh reminder that recovery takes time and that for thousands of St. Louisans, the crisis is far from over. Right next to the Urban League, a shopping complex that was destroyed in last month's tornado took another hit today. All eyes are now on the city after the recent announcement to allocate $30 million of the Rams settlement money to tornado recovery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Action St. Louis mobilizes tornado relief at YMCA after the storm
ST. LOUIS – St. Louisans who find themselves homeless in the aftermath of the May 16 tornado are receiving help from the appropriately named Action St. Louis. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
STL unites to support tornado victims after disaster
ST. LOUIS – St. Louisans are putting in the hard work when it comes to aiding the community, following the devastating tornado that came to the area this month. In the aftermath of the event, the spirit of community shines brightly as volunteers came together to support those in need. 'We're just here to bless people and make their days a little brighter,' said Nancy Holloway from the Salvation Army. The community is helping those from a parking lot, but it serves as a beacon of hope for many. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Nonprofit shifts focus to aid tornado victims with resources
ST. LOUIS – In 1995, St. Louis Artworks began as a nonprofit helping teach teens art and life skills. Three decades later, they're still providing art projects for teens. But since last Friday's tornado, they've turned up the ways they're giving back. 'As you know, St. Louis was devastated by the tornado so we wanted to be able to bring together different organizations so we could provide them with some of the needs that they may have,' says Jacqueline Dace, president of St. Louis Artworks. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Friday, a steady stream of St. Louisans got resources, from toiletries to clothing to hot meals. 'We had about three cases of water left and as soon as the words came out of my mouth I looked outside and there was an 18-wheeler that was pulling up,' Dace said. Across the street, a spontaneous power of prayer, as faith leaders pray for those impacted by the destruction. Donate here: Help support St. Louis storm victims 'We know in a lot of the early moments after a disaster or crisis it's always quick foods what's available,' said Kate Dozier, World Central Kitchen chef. 'But it's not always nourishing or sustaining for the hard work it takes to rebuild. So, we have a very specific program that's grams of protein, the amount of vegetables, the starches, to make sure it's the most nutritiously dense food.' World Central kitchen says they will continue to be providing meals as long as there is need. St. Louis Artworks is open daily from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. 'People have been grateful and gracious, and they've been bringing in supplies,' Dace said. 'They've been bringing in clothes. People have been supportive in bringing in items.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
