Over two dozen families are currently residing in nearby hotels, courtesy of an initiative aimed at assisting those affected by the storms who have damaged residences.
The Urban League said the public’s donations are helping more people get temporary shelter after a tornado swept through several St. Louis neighborhoods. It comes as some homes across the city have
warnings on them suggesting they might be hazardous.
The initial household was accommodated at a central city hotel during the weekend. Numerous inquiries are being received from individuals seeking similar assistance. The Urban League stated they would continue meeting this need for as long as feasible.
Natawnee Koepke remarked, ‘I can’t understand how something so abrupt can erase someone’s whole life instantly, leaving them with nothing.’
When your lifestyle is disrupted, it can be challenging to attempt to navigate your new path.
“Other residents on Cora Avenue are still sleeping in their homes without roofs,” Koepke stated.
The 5 On Your Side news team has stated that the city is not evicting residents from their residences.
Even though leaders are putting up color-coded signs to notify people regarding a building’s structural soundness, red indicates that it is in poor condition.
Many individuals were struggling financially even before this situation and couldn’t afford home insurance, leaving them with absolutely nothing now,” stated Michael McMillan from the Urban League. “They have no place to stay, and they lack any savings.
He mentioned that the organization is currently accommodating storm victims in nearby hotels free of charge.
“If they provide a copy of the red sticker issued by the city stating that your residence is unlivable, along with proof that they lived there—such as a photo ID or another form of documentation indicating ownership—we will gather this information and arrange for their stay at a hotel,” McMillian explained.
Currently, a family has the option to remain for as long as two weeks.
“I believe this provides them with sufficient time to address a few issues at minimum, have conversations with distant relatives, or arrange something else,” Koepke stated.
While it may seem like a win-win, for some, that decision isn’t so easy.
“Most of the windows shattered, the chimneys collapsed, and we lost the back porch,” Carl Shinauld remarked as he surveyed his house marked with a red alert.
Nevertheless, he stated that he isn’t planning to leave.
“He mentioned that they aren’t planning to move from their home since it has become quite valuable. It’s meant to be a family residence,” he explained.
Shinoda mentioned that he has had his power restored recently and is now concentrating fully on fixing the damages.
Some individuals might not have access to that choice. When the Urban League initiated the complimentary hotel stay program, they received around 250 inquiries.
For more information regarding this choice, please contact the Urban League at (314) 615-3600.
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