Urban League Expo Brings Resources, Hope to Tornado-Scarred North St. Louis

Three months after the May 16 tornado ripped apart lives and structures in neighborhoods surrounding the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) headquarters, the historic building at 1408 North Kingshighway was a haven of happiness, health care and economic empowerment.

The organization’s annual Urban Expo moved from America’s Center this year and was held on Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Urban League — closer to thousands of residents impacted by the tornado.

Mental health, health challenges in the Black community, wealth building and home buying were among the seminar topics at the daylong event. Community organizations and not-for-profits filled almost every space in the headquarters, offering resources and information.

“We are always proud to host the Urban Expo. To do it here at our headquarters is extremely special for us,” Michael P. McMillan, Urban League president and CEO, said as hallways buzzed with activity.

“To bring together fun, health, economic empowerment, back to school giveaways — it is an amazing day,” McMillan said .

The Urban League’s Disaster Relief effort has been the anchor of the region’s response to the catastrophic storm. The recovery effort in many parts of the city’s northside “will take at least a decade,” McMillan predicted.

“Most importantly, the community displayed how incredible it can be. St. Louis showed up with its time, its talent, its resources. It demonstrates how truly special St. Louis can be and will be.”

The tornado claimed five lives and caused an estimated $1.6 billion in property damage. Over 5,000 homes, businesses and churches were damaged, and many were destroyed. An estimated 70% of homes and businesses impacted by the tornado in north St. Louis did not have insurance or were under-insured.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency extended its deadline to apply for federal assistance to Aug. 26. The city, which sought an extension until October, announced last week that up to 700 eligible households had yet to apply.

FEMA disaster recovery centers remain open at the Urban League Entrepreneurship and Businesswomen’s Center at 4401 Natural Bridge, and Union Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 626 North Newstead.

Both centers are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the Urban League FEMA center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

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