City Transitions Private Property Assistance Program from Application Phase to Property Review and Prioritization

The City of St. Louis is transitioning the Private Property Assistance (PPA) program into its next phase following the close of the initial application window.

The PPA program provides free contractor services for eligible residential properties impacted by the May tornado, including demolition, debris removal, stabilization and home repair. The program is designed to address unsafe conditions, prevent further property deterioration and support neighborhood stabilization.

As of March 7, the City received 3,617 completed applications from tornado-impacted property owners, with an additional 653 applications initiated but not completed. These properties span neighborhoods throughout the tornado zone. Applications reflect a mix of repair, stabilization, debris removal and demolition needs, underscoring the scale and complexity of long term recovery.

The application deadline also provided important clarity about vacant and absentee-owned properties. By establishing a clear window for intake, the City was able to identify which properties have engaged owners actively seeking assistance and which properties may require additional outreach, enforcement action or alternative intervention to address safety concerns and prevent further neighborhood decline.

What Happens Next

Over the coming weeks, the City will:

• Complete eligibility review and documentation verification for all submitted applications
• Conduct or confirm damage assessments where needed
• Prioritize properties based on safety risk, occupancy status, level of damage and available funding
• Sequence contractor mobilization for demolition, stabilization and repair
• Identify vacant or non-responsive properties and determine appropriate next steps
• Document unmet needs to support additional funding requests

Residents can expect to see work happening to repair homes, demolish structurally unsound properties and clean up remaining debris beginning in late March.

Properties that did not submit an application but were flagged during right-of-way surveys as potentially unsafe or requiring demolition will continue to be evaluated under existing public safety authorities.

“We are entering the phase where decisions begin to translate into visible movement on blocks,” said Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks. “The application period helped us understand both the scale of need and gaps in ownership engagement. That clarity is critical to taking proactive steps to stabilize neighborhoods and deploy resources responsibly.”

The City currently has sufficient funding to continue home repair services through July. However, overall demand for stabilization and repair exceeds currently available resources. Officials are actively pursuing additional local, state, federal and philanthropic funding to address repair and stabilization gaps identified through the application process.

Funding for demolition and debris removal is supported through federal and state resources and is expected to cover the full scope of those activities.

It Is Not Too Late to Apply

Applications are still being accepted and will continue to be reviewed based on eligibility, property condition, safety considerations, prioritization standards and available funding. However, each application received now will be marked as "late" and services will be rendered as available.

Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance, but having an application on file preserves eligibility for current and future funding consideration.

Residents whose homes were impacted by the tornado are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply or receive assistance:

Call Center: 1-833-925-0977

Outreach Center: 4401 Natural Bridge Ave.

Online: app.stlrecovers.com