Clergy group gets $1 million from Missouri for tornado relief, aiming to get it out ‘as fast we can’
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – St. Louis storm victims got a boost Thursday as a group of clergy announced $1 million in state money going to storm relief.
Local pastors said they are optimistic the funding will move quickly, but some victims remain skeptical they’ll ever see it.
“I still have mold in my house. I have mushrooms growing in my house, I have squirrels going in my house, both my chimneys were knocked off,” said Tammy Moore.
Moore said that since the tornado, she has suffered from depression and can’t sleep. While she received $10,000 from FEMA, she said it was only a fraction of what is needed to repair her home.
“I don’t know what to do from here,” said Moore.
On Thursday, victims like Moore got some good news.
“It should not be hard to get help from us,” said Bishop Lee Scott.
The Spirit of St. Louis Task Force, made up of clergy and local organizations helping disaster victims, announced the state is granting $1 million for storm recovery. The money will be distributed in $50,000 increments as it is spent.
The group thanked Gov. Mike Kehoe and said they trust the state will keep payments flowing.
“Trust me, if they don’t, you’ll hear from us again because we’re not going nowhere,” said Scott.
The funding will be earmarked for mortgage, rent and utility assistance, along with reimbursements for hotel bills and other expenses. Any Missouri resident affected by the 2025 storms is eligible.
Applications are open immediately, and in-person meetings with staff are expected to begin next week.
Organizers said the vetting process will not be as intense as FEMA’s and that payments should go to victims within seven days of approval.
“As the money comes in we can get it out as fast as we can,” said Scott.
But some victims are skeptical.
“It’s been so hard so far, and I don’t really believe anything they saying,” said Moore.
Victims like Moore, who also lost a longtime family home, said after so many empty promises, she needs to see results before believing.
“All I got to say is, show us,” said Moore.
The announcement comes during a federal shutdown. While the program is not affected, it’s unclear whether FEMA payments or other federal aid could slow down.
Adolphus Pruitt, head of the local NAACP, said the community will step up whether federal help comes through or not.
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