Marina
After the destructive EF3 tornado that hit St. Louis last month, residents are turning to the Disaster Assistance Center at the Chaifetz Arena for crucial help.
The center, which opened on June 9, 2025, offers essential support, including assistance with repairs, insurance claims, and access to various community and governmental services.
The disaster relief center is a collaboration between the City of St. Louis, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, and Saint Louis University.
Since its opening, hundreds of local residents have sought help, including those like Patricia Wells, a resident from the Greater Ville Neighborhood in north St. Louis, who shared her experience with the ongoing recovery process.
Details of the Disaster Assistance Center
The Disaster Assistance Center at Chaifetz Arena aims to provide immediate support to residents who have been affected by the tornado. This center is expected to be open for several weeks to assist those needing help with the aftermath of the storm.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 9, 2025 | Disaster Assistance Center opened to the public. |
| June 10, 2025 | First day of assistance with 466 families seeking help. |
| June 11, 2025 | Residents encouraged to register before arrival. |
| June 14, 2025 | Center open through Thursday, operating 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Next Weeks | The center will remain open Monday to Thursday for two more weeks. |
Services Available at the Center
The center is providing multiple forms of support, which include:
- Insurance Assistance: Residents are being helped with understanding their insurance policies and making claims.
- Repair Support: Many people like Patricia Wells have been struggling to find contractors to fix their homes. The center offers connections to trusted local contractors and assistance with repair planning.
- Mental Health and Counseling Services: The emotional toll of the disaster is significant, and mental health professionals are available to help residents cope.
- Community and Faith-Based Organizations: These groups offer essential supplies, including food, clothing, and financial aid to those affected by the tornado.
Hours of Operation and Registration
The Disaster Assistance Center operates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, with extended hours through the end of the week. The center is expected to remain open for the next few weeks:
- Monday to Thursday: The center will operate throughout the next few weeks to ensure all affected residents have access to the help they need.
- Registration Required: Residents are encouraged to register online or over the phone before arriving at the center to expedite the process and ensure efficient service.
Patricia Wells’ Story
For many residents, including Patricia Wells, the road to recovery is long. Wells, who has been staying in a hotel temporarily, shared her struggles with finding qualified contractors to repair her home.
She expressed how challenging it has been to piece together a team of workers to help restore her house. “It’s hard trying to find contractors in our area right now,” Wells said, but she found hope in the resources provided by the disaster assistance center.
Wells hopes other affected residents are aware of the center’s existence and can take advantage of the resources it provides.
The Disaster Assistance Center at Chaifetz Arena is offering much-needed support to St. Louis residents following the EF3 tornado. With assistance ranging from repair services to mental health support, the center provides a vital lifeline for those impacted by the storm.
By partnering with community organizations and government agencies, St. Louis is ensuring its residents receive the resources they need for recovery.
Residents are encouraged to register before visiting and make use of the extended hours to get the help they need.