In the aftermath of the extreme weather over the past few days, I’ve witnessed something that’s become a familiar story in our city—people showing up. I travelled many of the streets in the hardest-hit areas, and it was heartwarming to see all the tables of food, water, and other needed items popping up all over. A city pulling together. Neighbors are bringing food and coffee. Strangers and city officials are clearing debris. Volunteers walking block after block, asking, “How can I help?” It’s not just inspiring—it’s St. Louis at its best.
The tornado didn’t discriminate, but the impact has been especially tough on our underserved communities like North St. Louis. While leadership continues to work through the challenges, including a serious breakdown in our emergency warning system and a lack of support from FEMA, our people haven’t waited. Volunteers and community leaders are stepping in where they’re needed most. Contractors with trucks and tarps, teens with trash bags, and folks just showing up with sandwiches and water. It’s powerful. It’s grassroots. And it’s what gives me hope.
Doing the Work
It’s truly awe-inspiring to see the GRIT of St. Louisans. In the middle of heartbreak, what we’re seeing is leadership, generosity, and a deep commitment to community. If there’s ever been a moment to lean in, this is it. Action St. Louis has been leading the charge on relief efforts, while Convoy of Hope has already served over 10,000 people and distributed more than 195,000 pounds of vital supplies. That kind of impact doesn’t happen without serious heart and coordination. The St. Louis Area Foodbank and United Way are stepping up, too, coordinating volunteers for cleanup and supply distribution efforts across the region.
And it’s not just the big organizations. Local businesses are doing what they do best: supporting their neighbors. Shops like Procure STL, ClayByTay, Katie’s Pizza & Pasta, Kaldi’s Coffee, and so many more are finding creative ways to donate proceeds to families and individuals who need it most. Hot Meals USA out of Nebraska is providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week. Even U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage for anyone who has lost their home or needs space during repairs. The RFC is opening its doors to small businesses who’ve lost workspaces, offering free six-month memberships to as many as they can fit. Not to mention, TechArtista is providing free day passes at both its Downtown and University City locations all week. Every pair of hands is making a difference, and THIS is what it means to come together in critical moments.
Rebuilding Together
Clayco is ALL in. Are you? When disaster hits home, we roll up our sleeves and get to work. Our team is fully committed to supporting recovery efforts and doing whatever it takes to help rebuild our community. This is about more than construction. It’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners, our neighbors, and everyone who’s been impacted and letting them know that we’re here for the long haul. Leaders across the board, from Ameren crews to Rick and Alandon Pitts from the Regional Business Council, and so many others, are on the ground offering assistance wherever they can. NOW is the time to step up, and no gesture is too small. Right now, the most urgent needs on the ground are supplies and volunteers, especially people who can safely help secure tarps on damaged roofs. If you’ve got the tools, the time, or the know-how, we need you! Water and non-perishable food items are in high demand, and every bit helps. The City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund will help support both immediate aid and long-term rebuilding. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get involved, this is it!
Let’s keep showing up.
Find relief efforts and volunteer opportunities here.
