When disaster hits, headlines come and go—but the impact sticks around long after the cameras stop rolling. On May 16, an EF-1 tornado swept through St. Louis, damaging homes, knocking out power, and displacing families—many of them in historically Black neighborhoods. This wasn’t just a weather event. It was a gut punch to communities already carrying the weight of systemic neglect.

And now? It’s time to show up.

If there’s one thing Black folks do well, it’s turn tragedy into togetherness. Mutual aid, neighborly love, and turning grief into action are in our DNA. Whether you're in St. Louis or watching from across the country, here’s how you can help people get back on their feet with real support—not just thoughts and prayers.

Let’s be clear: cash is king when it comes to relief. Donations allow local organizations to be nimble, meet needs as they arise, and cut through the red tape that often slows down help.

• City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund: This fund is making sure aid actually reaches those who need it—not just the folks with the most connections.
• United Way of Greater St. Louis: They’re holding it down by supporting trusted nonprofits with deep roots in the community.
• Catholic Charities of St. Louis: Providing not just one-time help, but long-term assistance and counseling services for displaced families.
• Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis: The Urban League doesn’t just show up—they lead. From food to shelter to rebuilding, they’ve got the infrastructure and the heart.

Small donations add up fast. And if you work at a company that matches gifts? Now’s the time to double up.

Got time instead of cash? Pull up.

Volunteers are urgently needed for cleanup, supply distribution, and even just being a kind face in chaos.

• United Way Volunteer Center: Sign up online for volunteer shifts in the affected areas.
• Call 2-1-1 (or 800-427-4626) to get connected with specific opportunities. You’ll be matched with organizations that need hands on deck, ASAP.
• City of St. Louis Emergency Services: For those who want to do more than post a prayer hands emoji, they’re coordinating boots-on-the-ground support.

Bring gloves. Bring friends. And bring that “let’s get it done” energy our community is known for.

Don’t drop off your items. Donate what folks really need.

• STL-Style (3159 Cherokee Street) is accepting donations daily (closed Mondays), with a focus on essentials: hygiene kits, bottled water, diapers, canned goods, and cleaning supplies.

Before heading out, check their socials—needs change daily.

Even if your zip code is far from 314, you can still make noise. Share donation links, spotlight local orgs, and speak up for those who might be overlooked in national coverage.

This is about more than one tornado. It’s about showing what we mean when we say all Black lives matter. That means showing up when the cameras are gone, when the streets need sweeping, and when our people are hurting.