Our producers took to the streets after the May 16 tornado: a woman looks ahead to the challenges of rebuilding a life and salvaging a close-knit community; memories of previous tornados; mental health professionals respond by going door to door; a meteorologist explains the reasons behind the high number of tornadoes; and we followed the funds and items donated at a City Foundry relief event to two community centers.
Stream on the PBS app or online below.
ST. LOUIS TORNADO RESPONSE:
Visit ninepbs.org/resources for a list of places where you can give or get help.
Paula’s Story
She returned from vacation to find her North St. Louis home damaged and many of her neighbors’ homes beyond repair. She now looks ahead to the challenges of rebuilding a life and salvaging a close-knit community.
Tornado Memories
St. Louis has experienced other tornados in its history, and those who survived them as children can recall the events in detail 70 and, in one case, even a hundred years later.
Mental Health Response
The tornado was a physical and traumatic experience that survivors will have to live with. While crews came to clear rubble, restore power, and distribute meals, mental health experts were going door to door to offer victims help, even if it was just to ask “how are you doing?”
So Many Tornadoes?
A Meteorologist explains on the reasons behind high number of tornadoes and expectations for future destructive weather.
Disaster Relief Efforts
How do donations get to those in need? The City Foundry relief event raised funds and collected donations. We followed those items to an early childhood center relief hub and to Love the Lou, a community center also acting as a resource hub.
Related: Living St. Louis / Facebook
Support for Living St. Louis is provided by Betsy & Thomas O. Patterson Foundation.
