Storm fallout: Transportation uncertain for St. Louis Public School students

ST. LOUIS – Sunday nights during the school year are a time when parents get their kids ready for the coming school week. Unfortunately, many parents in the St. Louis Public School district are facing uncertainty when it comes to getting their kids to and from school.

SLPS Superintendent Dr. Millicent Borishade sent a letter to parents late Sunday afternoon, explaining that, due to last Friday’s severe storms, the district has been “unable to confirm with First Student or our other vendors whether transportation services will be available [Monday]” because the bus depot was affected. The district anticipates commutes to and from schools to be delayed due to downed trees and power lines as well.

Several schools are still without power, forcing the district to improvise and move students and classes to unaffected campuses elsewhere in the district.

SLPS promises to work with high school students entering final exam scheduling so their grades won’t suffer. The district will offer students a chance to have grades frozen, complete alternate assignments, or take final exams at a later date.

The district’s Central Office will host an After the Storm Community Outreach Fair for students, staff, and families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing resource referrals to those in need as well as hygiene supplies, socks, underwear, and sack lunches. The Little Bit Foundation will participate in the fair to also provide hygiene items and water and take orders for clothing and shoes.

St. Louis Public Schools shared a list of contact information for emergency resources and recovery.

Emergency Resources and Support

Utility and Debris Resources

• Downed Power Lines: Contact Ameren at 1-800-552-7583
• Gas Leaks: Contact Spire at 1-800-887-4173
• Downed Trees and Other Debris: Contact the Citizen Service Bureau at 314-622-4800

Emergency Shelter & Immediate Relief

• American Red Cross – Missouri Region: Offers emergency shelter, meals, health services, and emotional support. Call 314-516-2800 or 1-800-REDCROSS.
• The Salvation Army – Midland Division: Provides food, shelter, spiritual care, and long-term recovery services. Over $900,000 committed to tornado relief efforts in Missouri.
• Catholic Charities of St. Louis: Offers disaster support including legal help, insurance, wellness, and food stamp assistance via MARCs.
• Saint Louis Crisis Nursery: Emergency care for children and family support during crises.
• Grace United Methodist Church: 6199 Waterman Boulevard
• Friendly Temple Outreach Center: 6356 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Home Repair & Financial Assistance

• Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA): Provides disaster recovery loans, temporary housing, and crisis counseling.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Offers low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, and business owners.
• Missouri REALTORS® Relief Foundation: $500,000 in grants available for tornado-related housing expenses.
• Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC): Works with local agencies to provide aid for storm, tornado, and flood recovery.

Food & Nutrition Assistance

• SNAP Disaster Waivers: Waivers may be available to replace food lost due to storm-related power outages in St. Louis and nearby counties.
• Guardian Angel Settlement Association: Offers a food pantry, utility and rental assistance, and other vital support services.

Cleanup & Volunteer Support

• AmeriCorps St. Louis Emergency Response Team: Debris removal, mold remediation, home repair, and volunteer coordination.
• Convoy of Hope: Delivers food, supplies, and humanitarian services in disaster zones.
• Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief (MODR): Provides disaster response volunteer opportunities, including cleanup and recovery.

YMCA Facilities (Open to the Public)

The following YMCA locations remain open for showers, phone charging, water refills, or a quiet break. A government-issued ID is required for entry.

• Carondelet Park Recreation Complex: 930 Holly Hills Avenue
• South City YMCA: 3150 Sublette Avenue

Volunteer Opportunities & Donations

United Way of Greater St. Louis: Coordinating volunteers and accepting donations.

• Volunteer sign-up & guidance: https://www.stlvolunteer.org/disaster
• Donate to the Relief Fund (100% to crisis response & recovery): https://uwgsl.tfaforms.net/4603472
• Emergency care for children and family support during crises.