Almost four weeks have passed since an EF3 tornado wreaked havoc across parts of St. Louis, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. As residents struggle to reclaim some semblance of normality, federal aid has been a much-discussed lifeline. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with personnel on the ground, continues to assist victims of the May 16 disaster. According to First Alert 4, FEMA is expecting to increase its manpower shortly, with applications for help readily being accepted online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
The urgency to provide aid is clear, as President Donald Trump has signaled a desire to reduce states' dependency on federal assistance. Willie Nunn from FEMA expressed concerns, as reported by First Alert 4, "I would be untruthful if I tell you it doesn't affect staff. It affects staff. It affects morale." Despite these challenges, Nunn underscored FEMA's commitment, stating, "But I can also tell you we have people in FEMA working for the mission. Helping people before, during and after the disasters."
FEMA's support is not the only form of aid available to those affected. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is prepared to offer loans worth up to $500,000 for homeowners and $2 million for business owners to cover damages and economic losses, as detailed by Cynthia Cowell during a news conference and reported FOX 2 Now. Cowell mentioned, "For businesses, we can lend up to $2 million for physical damage to a business, its inventory, its fixtures, etcetera, but also for economic losses."
Applicants should clearly communicate their needs when seeking FEMA assistance, emphasizing their relationship to the May 16 tornado. The agency plans to swiftly conduct home inspections following applications, as per Mayor Cara Spencer's comments on the expedience of immediate and relocation aid, which she hopes to take "days, not months." Spencer emphasized the city's need for federal help, asserting to First Alert 4, "We have exhausted ourselves, our city workforce. The nonprofits, the community organizations are exhausted."
However, as residents look for assistance, FEMA warned that crowdfunding efforts might be taken into account when determining someone's eligibility for aid. The Major Disaster Declaration, approved by President Trump, unlocked $71 million in federal funding according to KSDK. This funding includes grants for temporary housing, repairs, and low-interest loans for uninsured losses, a crucial step forward for the communities grappling with the aftermath of the storm.
