City of St. Louis Provides Update on How to Support Flood Victim Recovery Efforts

Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones joined City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Commissioner Sarah Russell and Alderwoman Pam Boyd (27) at St. Louis’ fourth resource center in Walnut Park. Following this afternoon’s update in which they discussed volunteer opportunities and upcoming Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC), the mayor and commissioner joined a community canvass to talk to residents about available resources.

“I’m thankful for all the hard work being done to support our residents at these centers, and our City neighborhood stabilization officers and SLMPD cadets who have been going door-to-door to connect St. Louisans to the help they need,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Neighbors are helping neighbors through this difficult time, and we need to keep supporting each other. St. Louisans interested in helping our communities clean up, assemble care packages, and distribute food should sign up to volunteer through the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ volunteer page.”

A full list of needs is posted on the City’s website at stlouis-mo.gov/flood. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis will be accepting donations Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, at their headquarters at 1408 N. Kingshighway Blvd. Volunteers interested in assisting neighbors can sign up to do so on the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ website.

Earlier today, Governor Mike Parson’s office announced that four MARCs will open this week throughout the St. Louis region for people impacted by the floods. “These centers bring together agencies and experts on housing, insurance, food stamp replacement, mental health counseling and other key areas of need for flood survivors,” said CEMA Commissioner Sarah Russell. “No matter where these events are held, City residents impacted by flooding are welcome to come by for help.”

The information for this week’s MARCs:

• Tuesday, August 2, 2022, 3pm - 8pm
  Element Church, 100 Mall Pkwy, Unit 500
  Wentzville, MO 63385
• Wednesday, August 3, 2022, 3pm - 8pm
  John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road
  Florissant, MO 63031
• Thursday, August 4, 3pm - 8pm
  Centennial Commons, 7210 Olive
  University City, MO 63130
• Friday, August 5
  City of St. Louis location to be announced.
  The City of St. Louis is working with the State of Missouri and other organizations, including the St. Louis Area and St. Charles Community Center Organizations Active in Disaster, to establish a location for later this week.

The City also announced a new partnership with Uber, following Saturday’s partnership with Lyft to connect impacted residents to rides. Both rideshare companies are offering promo codes for rides up to a certain value for those impacted by the storms. Information on how to access these resources is at mobile command centers and distributed with canvassers.

The City’s Building Division wants residents to know its staff will be inspecting damaged buildings in the coming days. While inspectors may post condemnation notices to flag safety concerns, the Division will not penalize individuals due to flood damage. Residents with dangerous non-flood-related violations will be subject to normal procedures. The Division will also waive permitting fees for those seeking to repair flood damage on their property.

Anyone who is seeking assistance is encouraged to contact the United Way of Greater St. Louis by calling 2-1-1. If you feel the need to talk to someone trained in trauma support, the Behavioral Health Response (BHR) provides a crisis support lifeline at 314-469-6644.

The City’s Neighborhood Stabilization Teams will continue identifying where additional resources are needed. Citizens wishing to report flood damage inside their homes should call the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) at 314-768-6260. For non-MSD issues, to report storm damage, or for information on available emergency resources, citizens should call the Citizens Service Bureau at 314-622-4800 or 211. Residents should take pictures of property damage and save all receipts.