Homeowners and renters in the St. Louis area who were impacted by the devastating tornado on May 16 can now access federal funding for repairs and assistance. Nearly a month after the storm, both President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the affected regions, including the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and Scott County.
The federal aid package provides various forms of financial support for eligible individuals, such as temporary housing grants and funds for home repairs. It also includes low-interest loans to help cover property losses that are not insured.
U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell from Missouri has outlined the application process for residents seeking disaster assistance. Individuals can apply through multiple channels: online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or via the FEMA mobile app. For those who use relay services, there’s also an option to provide their service number to FEMA.
To streamline the application process, FEMA encourages applicants to have specific information ready, including their Social Security number, the address of the damaged property, a description of the damages, details of any insurance coverage, and bank information for direct deposit.
This federal support aims to help residents begin the recovery process and restore stability in their lives following the natural disaster. It’s a pivotal step towards rebuilding and reclaiming their homes and communities, reflecting the resilience of those affected.