The City of St. Louis Announces Expansion of Tornado Recovery Vacant Unit Turns Program
The City of St. Louis’ Office of Recovery and the Community Development Administration (CDA) have made a significant update to the Tornado Recovery Vacant Unit Turns program. This change, announced today, expands eligibility to include for-profit developers and private landlords who currently own rental property in the city.
The revision comes as part of CDA’s ongoing efforts to quickly repair and reoccupy vacant rental units for families displaced by the devastating tornado that hit North St. Louis neighborhoods on May 16. The storm caused extensive damage to hundreds of homes, leaving many families without a place to live.
“This change to include private landlords reflects what we’ve been hearing on the ground,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “Many small landlords want to help, and by expanding eligibility, we’re unlocking additional housing opportunities for residents displaced by the storm.”
The Tornado Recovery Vacant Unit Turns grant, funded by Rams Settlement funds, provides up to $2.5 million to cover minor repairs, maintenance, and updates to vacant rental housing. Eligible applicants can receive financial assistance of up to $10,000 per unit, with the requirement that all participating units be occupied by tornado-impacted families by December 31, 2025.
Program Overview
– Applications Open: Rolling basis through CDA’s Salesforce grants portal
– Funding Available: $2.5 million (Rams Settlement Funds)
– Maximum Award: Approximately $10,000 per unit
– Occupancy Deadline: December 31, 2025
– Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit developers, Community Development Corporations, public entities, and now for-profit developers and private landlords with rental property portfolios.
Applications will continue to be reviewed and rated on a rolling basis to ensure that units are renovated and occupied as quickly as possible.
Before You Apply
Before beginning an application, applicants should read and understand the full Tornado Recovery Vacant Unit Turns (VUT) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) document. This document provides detailed information about eligibility, required documentation, and funding priorities.
The NOFA document also includes guidance on how to complete the CDA Tornado VUT Repair Budget Workbook, outlining the necessary information for a complete application through the Salesforce grants portal.
Apply Now
Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis. The Tornado Recovery Vacant Unit Turns NOFA materials and a link to the application portal can be found on the CDA’s webpage.
