City of St. Louis Secures Critical New FEMA Disaster Case Management Funding for Tornado Recovery

$2.9 million dollars in FEMA funding is on the way to assist residents in the City of St. Louis who were impacted by the May 16 tornado. The Disaster Case Management Grant provides continued funding for a dedicated team of Disaster Case Managers (DCM) through June 2027. These disaster relief experts provide personalized assistance to residents as they navigate their long-term recovery needs.

"This new funding is a lifeline for our residents," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "Anything we can do to lend a hand during this difficult time, is critical. Thank you to Senator Eric Schmitt and his staff who have worked tirelessly to secure these federal resources for St. Louis tornado recovery."

During her recent visit to Washington D.C., Mayor Spencer met with Missouri's federal delegation including Sen. Schmitt, Sen. Hawley, and Rep. Wesley Bell to appeal for expanded disaster relief. Senator Schmitt, a St. Louis native, was instrumental in securing the FEMA award.

"Following last year's devastating tornado, the St. Louis community rallied together in support of our neighbors, and I have been proud to partner with the Trump Administration, Mayor Spencer, and Governor Kehoe to help deliver essential relief as our community recovers. Thanks to this funding, eligible St. Louisans can partner with an expert team of disaster case managers to develop and carry out their long-term recovery plans, including the strenuous application process for recovery programs. There's still more work to be done, and we will continue to work together to deliver for St. Louis."

City residents impacted by the May 16 tornado have faced a complicated system of disaster relief programs. Disaster Case Managers have a proven track record of helping residents access assistance programs through reputable organizations and agencies.

"Our residents are at the heart of this recovery, and every family deserves the support they need to recover and hopefully return to the neighborhoods they call home," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "I am grateful to the United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, LifeWise, HOPE, and all of our community partners for standing alongside our residents and making this critical support possible."

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) submitted the FEMA application and will oversee the program, while United Way of Greater St. Louis will lead delivery services with support from additional volunteer and faith-based partners.

"Disaster Case Management pairs families with a dedicated guide to support their long-term recovery and stability," said SEMA Director Jim Remillard. "These specialists are trained to connect individuals and households with resources and ongoing services. We appreciate their dedication and expertise in assisting those severely impacted by the destruction of the St. Louis tornado who continue to cope with its consequences."

Historically, FEMA funds disaster case management for two years following a federal disaster declaration. That did not occur after the May 16 EF3 tornado. Instead, the City of St. Louis has invested more than $3 million from interest earned on the Rams Settlement Fund to sustain disaster case management and housing case work over the past year. Those funds were expected to be exhausted by this August. The initial request for FEMA disaster case management funding was submitted in early September of 2025.

FEMA funding for disaster case management begins on August 1. Through this funding, the United Way of Greater St. Louis will continue to partner with Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, LifeWise and HOPE to offer professional case management services delivered by experienced staff. To date, more than 1,200 residents have applied for assistance through the program, with new applications continuing to come in each week.