Support for St. Louis Businesses Impacted by the May 16, 2025 Storm
On May 16, 2025, a powerful and destructive tornado system tore through the St. Louis region, leaving a trail of devastation in both the city and surrounding counties. High winds, large hail, and flash flooding severely impacted homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure. Several neighborhoods experienced significant structural damage, and tragically, lives were lost. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this storm, particularly the business owners who now face the daunting task of recovery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, and the St. Louis Anchor Action Network is committed to standing with our local business community. Whether you are a business owner directly impacted by the storm or someone looking for ways to support affected entrepreneurs, we’ve compiled a list of resources below to help navigate this challenging time.
To Our Local Business Community
We know that many of you are navigating the emotional and financial toll of this storm while working to keep your teams safe and operations afloat. Please don’t hesitate to seek help — support is here, and your resilience matters deeply to the future of our region.
If you know of a business that was impacted and needs assistance, please share the information below and encourage them to utilize the resources. We will continue to update our site and social media channels with new, timely information. Together, we can rebuild stronger.
If your organization is offering aid to businesses and would like to be listed on STLAAN distribution channels, please contact Stefani Weeden-Smith, STLAAN Director, at sweeden-smith@umsl.edu.
Resources
As more information becomes available, we will continue to update our list of ways businesses and business owners may access resources.
Stay Informed and Connected
Recovery efforts are evolving daily. Please visit the City of St. Louis’s Tornado Recovery Portal for updated information on road closures, FEMA assessments, debris removal, and community meetings: stlouis-mo.gov.
Emergency Shelter and Immediate Support
The American Red Cross of Missouri and other community organizations have opened multiple emergency shelters for displaced individuals and families:
· Grace United Methodist Church – 6199 Waterman Blvd.
· Friendly Temple Outreach Center – 6356 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
· Recreation Center – 1410 S. Tucker Blvd.
These shelters are offering food, water, basic health services, and overnight accommodations. No ID or proof of residency is required.
Local Recovery and Donation Sites
Community members and businesses are rallying together to provide supplies and support:
· World Central Kitchen is distributing fresh meals to storm-affected neighborhoods.
· Donation Drop-off Sites:
o O’Fallon Park YMCA – 4343 W. Florissant Ave.
o Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis – 1408 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
These sites are accepting tools, non-perishable food, diapers, hygiene supplies, and more.
Financial Assistance and Business Recovery
We are checking with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to see if they are offering low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses and nonprofits in affected areas. These loans can help cover operating expenses and repair damages.
Our team is also working to confirm if the IRS is offering tax deadline extensions and other relief options for businesses and individuals in designated disaster zones.