Recovery Update for September 30, 2025

St. Louis City & St. Louis County Recovery Update

For the May 16 Tornadoes and Severe Storms

Help Still Available for May 16 Tornado Survivors, Disaster Assistance Tops $73 million

• St. Louis City and County residents whose homes and personal property were impacted by the May 16 tornado may continue asking for help with housing and other unmet needs not covered by insurance.
• Stay in touch with FEMA:
  • Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Call 1-800-621-3362
  • Use the FEMA app.

FEMA Assistance May Be Available to Help with Rent

• To ask for help with rent, homeowners and renters may call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.
  • Rental Assistance may help cover monthly rent, which may include a security deposit.
  • It might not cover all rental expenses.
  • Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA): Impacted residents who received rental assistance from FEMA and require more rental assistance while working toward a permanent housing plan should stay in touch with FEMA. CTHA may be available for those who qualify.

Helpful Tips: Provide Receipts and Contractor Estimates to FEMA

• Keep receipts for disaster-related purchases (items to make repairs to home, hotel receipts, etc.).
• Provide contractor estimates for repairs and other receipts to FEMA.
• You can track your application and upload documents through FEMA's online system. To do this, create an online account by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.

By the Numbers: FEMA, SEMA, SBA Disaster Assistance Tops $73 Million

• For losses not covered by insurance, FEMA may be able to provide money to help pay for home repairs, a temporary place to live, essential personal property that was destroyed, and other needs.
• FEMA has provided $48.2 million in Individual Assistance to homeowners and renters.
  • About $5 million of this amount is being paid by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
• More than 9,000 households have been approved for assistance.
• A home inspection is required for FEMA to approve money.
  • FEMA has completed about 15,000 home inspections.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $24.9 million in low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes recover from the disaster.
  • You can apply for these loans through https://lending.sba.gov.

What to Expect After Applying

• FEMA may call you from an unknown number to schedule an inspection or to obtain more information to process your application. It is important to answer the call.
  • If you don't recognize the number, you may call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to verify the call.
  • An inspection is required for FEMA to verify damage reported on your application.
  • FEMA inspectors will know your FEMA case number, present their FEMA ID, and never ask for or accept money.

Read Your Letter from FEMA

• FEMA will send you a letter by mail or email. You chose how to receive communications when you applied for assistance. Read the letter carefully. The letter will explain next steps and how to appeal.
• If you have insurance, FEMA will not be able to consider you for assistance until you provide insurance documentation, such as a settlement letter or denial letter.

How to Appeal

• If you disagree with FEMA's decision on your application, you may appeal.
• Submit an appeal form or write an appeal letter within 60 days of the date of the letter from FEMA.
• To appeal and submit documentation, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

STL RECOVERS - City of St. Louis Resources

• The City of St. Louis has launched recovery programs to assist residents impacted by the May 16 tornado. These programs address urgent repair needs, provide trusted technical guidance, and protect homeowners from fraud or further damage.
• For details, visit: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/tornado/

Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA's Business Recovery Center (BRC) and Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) serve as a one-stop shop for SBA disaster assistance. These centers provide in-person support with SBA disaster loan applications, help applicants check their loan status, and offer guidance on funds available to businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters impacted in a declared disaster area.

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