A guide to financial assistance programs for residents and businesses after the tornado – STLPR

Disaster Relief and Recovery Efforts in St. Louis: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

In response to the EF3 tornado that struck north St. Louis, city and state officials are coordinating the allocation of over $130 million in disaster relief funds. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by providing critical financial assistance to affected residents and businesses to foster resilient and inclusive recovery.

Short-Term Financial Assistance Programs for Residents

Given that approximately 90% of renters and 67% of homeowners in the impacted ZIP codes lack adequate insurance, immediate support is essential to secure temporary housing and replace urgent items. This initiative supports SDG 1 by reducing vulnerability and promoting social protection.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

City officials urge residents to submit FEMA applications promptly to access disaster assistance.

• Deadline to apply: August 11
• Application methods: disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362
• Assistance with applications is available through STLPR’s guide here

FEMA and city disaster relief centers offering in-person support include:

• Union Tabernacle M.B. Church
  626 N. Newstead Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108
  Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday (Closed Sunday)
• Sumner High School (Parking Lot)
  4248 Cottage Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113
  Hours: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Saturday; 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday
• Urban League Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center (Opening June 30)
  4401 Natural Bridge Ave., St. Louis, MO 63115
  Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday; 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday

• American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides financial assistance to residents whose homes were significantly damaged or destroyed, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• Over 2,000 applications received to date
• Applicants should respond promptly to follow-up inquiries to receive funds
• How to apply: Visit redcross.org/gethelp and select the “Affected by Missouri 2025 tornadoes?” tab or call 800-RED-CROSS
• Application deadline: July 3; Funds acceptance deadline: July 11

Red Cross shelters available 24/7:

• Urban League Peter Bunce Campus
  2125 Bissell St., St. Louis, MO 63107
• Crossroads College Prep School
  500 DeBaliviere Ave., St. Louis, MO 63112

• United Way

United Way offers direct financial assistance for essential needs such as food, water, and transportation, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

• How to apply: Complete the intake form; a representative will follow up
• Deadline: No deadline specified

Support for Local Businesses

Recognizing the economic impact of the tornado, programs are in place to assist local businesses in rebuilding and recovering lost revenue, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations.

1. Visit the SBA website and select “Apply for disaster loans.”
2. Select Missouri and the appropriate location (St. Louis City or County).
3. Enter the tornado date: May 16, 2025.
4. Complete the application detailing damage or business loss.

For application assistance:

1. Schedule an appointment at the Small Business Recovery Center
2. Call 800-659-2955
3. Email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

SBA Recovery Center Location: 3140 Cass Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106 (St. Louis Community College)
Hours: 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Monday–Friday

Application deadline: None specified

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)

The SLDC offers additional support to local businesses affected by the tornado.

• How to apply: Complete the intake form
• Deadline: None specified

For assistance with the application, visit the SLDC office at 1520 Market St. or call 314-657-3700.
Office hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday

Conclusion

The coordinated disaster relief efforts in St. Louis embody a commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals by addressing immediate needs, fostering economic recovery, and enhancing community resilience. Continued updates and support programs will be communicated as they become available to ensure inclusive and sustainable recovery for all affected residents and businesses.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The article discusses financial assistance programs for residents affected by the tornado, addressing poverty alleviation through emergency relief funds.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Temporary housing and urgent item replacement help ensure well-being and reduce health risks after disaster.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Support for small businesses through loans and development corporation assistance promotes economic recovery and growth.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Disaster relief and recovery efforts contribute to making cities resilient and sustainable.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Coordination among federal agencies (FEMA), nonprofits (American Red Cross, United Way), and local organizations reflects partnerships for sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.5: Build resilience of the poor and reduce their exposure to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to essential services.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 1.5:
   • Number of people receiving disaster relief financial assistance (e.g., FEMA applications, American Red Cross aid).
   • Percentage of uninsured renters and homeowners affected (90% renters, 67% homeowners uninsured in affected ZIP codes).
2. Indicator for SDG 3.8:
   • Access to temporary housing and urgent item replacement programs for affected residents.
3. Indicator for SDG 8.3:
   • Number of small businesses applying for and receiving SBA disaster loans.
   • Number of businesses supported by St. Louis Development Corporation programs.
4. Indicator for SDG 11.5:
   • Number of disaster relief centers established and operational hours to assist affected residents.
5. Indicator for SDG 17.17:
   • Number and diversity of organizations (government, nonprofits, local agencies) collaborating on disaster relief efforts.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 1: No Poverty	Target 1.5: Build resilience of the poor and reduce exposure to disasters	Number of people receiving disaster relief financial assistance (FEMA, Red Cross) Percentage of uninsured renters and homeowners affected
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage and financial risk protection	Access to temporary housing and urgent item replacement programs
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	Target 8.3: Promote policies supporting entrepreneurship and job creation	Number of small businesses applying for SBA disaster loans Number of businesses supported by St. Louis Development Corporation
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.5: Reduce deaths and people affected by disasters	Number of disaster relief centers and their operational availability
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	Target 17.17: Promote effective public, private, and civil society partnerships	Number and diversity of organizations collaborating on disaster relief

Source: stlpr.org