ornado Relief Fund by $1 million
Mayor Spencer and Board of Aldermen Propose Bills to Support Tornado-Resident Housing and Winter Shelter Needs
In a joint announcement today, Mayor Cara Spencer and members of the Board of Aldermen revealed three proposed board bills that would allocate over $13 million to address the urgent housing and shelter needs of St. Louis residents affected by the recent tornado.
With winter approaching, Mayor Spencer emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the city’s most vulnerable residents. “Getting our most vulnerable neighbors safely through the winter is currently my top priority,” she stated. “I have made it clear to my team that I will move heaven and earth to get this done.”
Collaborating closely with the Board of Aldermen, the Mayor’s Office has spearheaded the development of three bills that would provide a combined $13.71 million to significantly expand the city’s efforts to house and shelter residents this winter. The bills are expected to be introduced and passed quickly with the support of the Board of Aldermen.
President of the Board of Aldermen Megan Green emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s been almost six months since an EF3 tornado displaced thousands of residents, leaving many without stable shelter, and nightly temperatures are already nearing freezing. These bills are critically important to getting tornado victims housed before winter hits, and we’re working to get them across the finish line as quickly as possible.”
One of the proposed bills, introduced by Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard, would allocate $9.35 million from a one-time fiscal year 2025 budget surplus for tornado-resident housing. Eligible uses for the funds include winter shelters, home repair, deposit and rental assistance, housing production, and other essential rehousing services for those whose homes were severely damaged by the tornado.
Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier’s bill would allocate $3.36 million in accrued Rams interest for winter shelters. This funding would be used to rapidly activate and operate additional winter shelter facilities, extend hours at existing shelters, procure necessary supplies and services, provide transportation to shelters, and conduct outreach efforts to connect unhoused residents with safe indoor spaces.
Alderman Rasheen Aldridge’s bill would increase the funding amount in the impacted Tornado Relief Fund by $1 million. This additional funding would further support the city’s efforts to provide relief and assistance to those affected by the tornado.
Alderwoman Sonnier emphasized the moral responsibility of the city to take action and support its residents during this difficult time. “As we approach one of the harshest winters in recent memory, we must face a difficult truth: far too many of our St. Louis residents will not have a warm, safe place to sleep unless we act, and act now,” she stated. “These are not just mere funding bills; they are a lifeline. These bills aim to ensure that providers are equipped, our tornado-impacted neighbors are supported, our vulnerable unhoused neighbors are protected, and the City of St. Louis stands behind the values of compassion and responsibility. This is our moral test as a city, and this test must be met with urgency, humanity, and action.
