Hope and Healing Triumph in St. Louis as Tornado Impact Lingers
Following the May 16 tornadoes, our neighbors in North St. Louis in particular, continue to navigate devastating loss and uncertainty. Recovery has just begun, and The Salvation Army is committed to being there for our community both in the immediate response, and long-term. Our response teams have been working around the clock to provide relief to neighbors in need, including meals and hydration, charging stations and cleaning supplies, as well as emotional and spiritual care.
In addition to our roving canteens and mobile feeding units, we have been providing fixed feeding to the North St. Louis community via our Euclid Corps Community Center at 2618 N Euclid Ave., central to one of the most impacted areas.
To-date, we’ve provided:
- more than 28,400 meals, snacks and drinks;
- over 280 tarps;
- more than 340 toiletry bags and hygiene kits; and
- emotional and spiritual care to over 240 individuals
What’s more validating are the stories from the field that bring to life the pain and dire situation that some of our neighbors face.
After days without power, one local resident stopped by our canteen to power her nebulizer and get her necessary breathing treatments in. Many others charged their cell phones and personal devices using our vehicle. Many accepted meals and tarps from our volunteer teams that were roving the city.
And others were lifted up in prayer in the face of inconceivable circumstances. Volunteer and retired Salvation Army officer Nancy Holloway shared, “A woman came to one of our meal distribution sites in the Euclid community. During our conversation regarding their experience during the May tornadoes, she shared that her nephew was injured during a drive-by shooting that occurred in the days following the storms, and tragically, his young son was killed. I was able to pray with her requesting healing of her nephew, and also prayed over the child who lost their life. The pain these families have experienced is unimaginable and I feel so fortunate to be a part of their healing process.”
Our volunteers – whether distributing food and supplies or offering a listening ear to those affected – are critical to healing our great city. We’re calling on compassionate volunteers to join us in providing support. Every hour you give brings hope and healing to families working to rebuild their lives.
With temperatures expected to rise in the coming weeks, we also anticipate cooling shelters will be a significant need in the region, ensuring that neighbors who remain without power have opportunities for relief.
Together, we can show our neighbors that even after the storm, St. Louis stands strong as one.