On Friday, May 16, a severe storm impacted lives across St. Louis. More than 5,000 homes in the region were affected, along with parts of our campus. We are holding everyone impacted in our hearts and want to express our deep care and concern, especially for members of our university and local community who may be facing loss or disruption.
In the wake of this storm, many of us are asking how we can help. Please see below for a list of ways you can contribute to recovery efforts. We will update this list on an ongoing basis to reflect current opportunities:
Sign Up Forms and Volunteer Opportunities
United Way of Greater St. Louis Emergency Volunteer Center
Action St. Louis and For the Culture STL: Community Support Volunteer Sign Up
WePower: Volunteer registration for early childhood centers tornado relief
WePower: Clean up the early childhood centers event on 5/19, 10 AM-1 PM, Baden Christian Child Care Center, 8375 North Broadway
Love the Lou: Volunteer Sign Up FormGrace UMC: Volunteers needed at 6199 Waterman Blvd between 7:30 AM-8 PM.
Donations
United Way Greater St. Louis Storm/Tornado Relief Fund
City of St. Louis Tornado Relief Fund
Volunteers on Lee Rd. in North St. Louis are asking for donations of dumpsters or large containers to gather debris.
The KRe8 Place, from 3-5 PM on 5/18, 2035 Washington Avenue
Better Family Life, Inc., from 2-6 PM on 5/18, Tent @ 5200 Cates Avenue
National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., 9 AM-2 PM on 5/18, 500 Vandeventer Avenue
Coalition DJs, 3 PM on 5/18, 3900 Holly Hills Blvd
Items welcome include: Water, gift cards, flashlights, power banks, batteries, shoes and jackets, non-perishable food, blankets and pillows, gloves, stuffed animals, trash bags, cleaning supplies, first aid kits, socks and underwear.
The O’Fallon Park YMCA on 5/18, 4343 West Florissant Ave.
The Urban League headquarters on 5/18, Kingshighway and Page Blvd.
4 the Ville on 5/18, 4144 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Items welcome include tools, plywood and two-by-fours, wood screws, tarps, exterior caulk and caulk guns.
Saint Ambrose on 5/20, 5130 Wilson Ave
Items welcome include non-perishable food, baby products (diapers, formula, wipes), new toys for kids, clean clothes (new or gently used), laundry supplies, hygiene products, bottled water.
Work and Leisure, 5/19-5/22, 10 AM-6 PM, 3015 Locust St
Items welcome include non-perishable food, baby products (diapers, formula, wipes), new toys for kids, clean clothes (new or gently used), laundry supplies, hygiene products, bottled water.
Casey, Devoti & Brockland, 5/19-5/23, 8 AM-5 PM, donations for first responders, 5100 Daggett Ave
Items welcome include protein and granola bars, Red Bulls, electrolyte drinks, Jerky products, trail mix and nuts, other snack items.
Rx Outreach Relief Fund: Donations to provide access to medications to those affected by the storm.
Save A Lot on Natural Bridge: Accepting food and donations.
St. Louis Early Childhood Tornado Response Team Food & Supplies Drive, 5/21 from 5:30-8:30 PM, City Foundry
Items welcome include non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, diapers, formula, trash and lawn bags, work gloves.
Grace UMC, 6199 Waterman Blvd
Items welcome include: Underwear (all sizes), mens clothes, sweatpants, flip flops, sleeping bonnets, individual vaseline, combs and brushes, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, plastic cutlery, trash bags (all sizes)
We are also compiling resources for community members affected by the storm. Please find a list of these resources below. We will update this list on an ongoing basis:
Support Forms and Resources
United Way 2-1-1: May 2025 Severe Storm and Tornado Support
Catholic Charities of St. Louis: Intake form for disaster services
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis: Temporary relief fund to support recovery efforts
Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services
St. Louis City resources for storm-related damage
WePower: St. Louis Tornado Cleanup Request Form: Early Childhood Centers
All St. Louis County Library branches are open with WiFi, public computers, meeting spaces, and social workers. Branches also have extra charging cables available.
Rx Outreach Relief Fund: Call 314-222-0472 for free 90-day supplies of medications for those affected across the St. Louis metropolitan area (Missouri and Illinois).
St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) and ConnectSTL: CommUNITY help desks near The Ville, Tandy, Marquette, 12th & Park, and Wohl Recreational Centers to assist individuals with finding local resources or connecting to services. Email Tanji Cole at coletan@stlouis-mo.gov with questions.
Guardian Angel Settlement Association: Offers food pantry, utility assistance, and other vital support services.
May 2025 Tornado Support & Resources from WashU
Non-English speaking residents can contact Gilberto Pinela, director of the Office of New Americans, for assistance at pinelag@stlouis-mo.gov.
Shelters and Emergency Support Sites
The Greater St. Louis chapter of the American Red Cross has opened three shelters in the city at the following locations:
Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman Blvd.
Friendly Temple Outreach Center, 6356 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.
12th & Park Recreation Center, 1410 S. Tucker Blvd
South City YMCA, 3150 Sublette Ave
Saint Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave
Salvation Army, Midland Division, Call: 314-646-3000
Carondelet Park Recreation Complex, 930 Holly Hills Ave
- Save A Lot on Natural Bridge in The Ville: Metro Transit is picking up residents and transporting them to the 12th and Park Rec Center for shower, rest, and support. The service will run every night.
Food and Supplies
Organized by Food City STL, YMCA, 4343 W. Florissant Ave.
Organized by Sikhs of MO, City Plaza Schnucks, 3431 Union Blvd.
Operation Food Search: Visit or call (314) 726-5355
Organized by Annie Malone + 100.3 The Beat, starting 10 AM on 5/18, 5355 Page Avenue
Organized by St. Louis ArtWorks, in partnership with Healing the City, starting 10 AM on 5/18, 5959 Delmar Blvd
Free meals organized by World Central Kitchen at Centennial Christian Church, every day, 4950 Fountain Ave
Debris Drop Off
North City: O’Fallon Park, Rec Complex parking lot; Sherman Park, upper parking lot
South City: Carondelet Mulch Heaps Area, East end of park off Holly Hills and west of YMCA
Utility and Debris Services
Downed power lines: Contact Ameren at 1-800-552-7583
Gas leaks: Contact Spire at 1-800-887-4173
Downed trees and other debris: Contact the Citizen Service at 314-622-4800
Home Repair and Financial Assistance
Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA): Provides disaster recovery loans and temporary housing.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Offers low-interest loans for small business owners, home owners, and renters.
Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC): Works with local agencies to provide aid for storm recovery.
Contact Us
If you know of any service opportunities or ways to assist recovery efforts in your area, please contact us at stlouis@wustl.edu. We will respond to your message as soon as possible.
