‘I basically lost everything’: Federal assistance in St Louis for March 14 storms, as victims say they’re still needing help

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - This week, representatives with federal disaster assistance agencies were in town helping victims of the March 14 tornado that struck St. Louis County.

“I basically lost everything I worked my whole life for,” said Reynolds.

Jack Reynolds continues to try to pick up the pieces after a storm led to a fire at his family’s longtime Bellefontaine Neighbors home. He had just retired when he completely lost his home.

“Staying in my truck sometimes, staying with my buddy sometimes, I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do,” said Reynolds.

Reynolds collected antiques — 90% of which he says were lost in the fire. One of the items ruined — a prized possession — was a piano owned by the family of acclaimed author J.R.R. Tolkien.

“I’m still trying to clean some of them up, but they smell like smoke, and most of everything is ruined,” said Reynolds.

The March 14 tornado ravaged portions of St. Louis County, especially in Bridgeton, where tarps and repair equipment are still visible.

Winds from that storm also led to a series of fires in Reynolds’ Bellefontaine Neighbors neighborhood. Some homes have been repaired, while others were either a total loss or still in desperate need of help.

On Friday, he showed up at a disaster assistance event with both FEMA and the Small Business istration there to help.

“I like to look at it as a stacking of resources,” said Raenada Mason.

Raenada Mason with the SBA says their programs can help with low-interest loans — which, along with potential grants from FEMA and insurance — can help fill in the gaps.

She says they’re here to provide in-person help.

“It can be quite overwhelming because you’re trying to rebuild and put those pieces back together at the same time someone is asking you to fill out this paperwork,” said Mason.

For those who weren’t able to make it on Friday, these federal resources will remain available for some time. Starting Saturday, officials will be at Castlepoint Park in North County. Next week, they’ll be at the Florissant library.

As for Reynolds, FEMA told him their computers were down and he’d have to come back another day.

“I don’t have a lot of time to do this kind of stuff, I’m trying to get back on my feet,” said Reynolds. “They ran out of water fighting the fire in front of my house, the hydrant ran dry, I was like, can you catch a break?”

He says he’s looking at a potential new home on Saturday.

Disaster Relief Events:

• Saturday, June 7: Castlepoint Park, 2465 Baroness Dr, St. Louis, MO 63136 - 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
• Monday - Thursday, June 9-12: Florissant Valley Library, 195 S. New Florissant Rd. Florissant, MO 6303 - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday - Saturday, June 13-14: Florissant Valley Library, 195 S. New Florissant Rd. Florissant, MO 6303 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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