ST. LOUIS – The Missouri National Guard began a two-week deployment on Wednesday by establishing four debris collection sites around town.
Malinise Howard’s street is still lined with downed trees and material from damaged buildings. But she says it’s still an improvement over last week.
“Then versus now, it’s been tremendous. You can just see the difference in it all. It was just really, really bad. It made you actually cry,” she said.
A week ago, she could not drive down her north St. Louis street, but she said the community has pulled together.
“Whatever you can do, just help us out,” she said. “We’re doing what we can because the community has come together as one.”
Forty-one guard members are here to set up debris collection sites, where they will sort, clear, and transport storm debris. The guard visited multiple St. Louis Public Schools on Wednesday, which FEMA believes might serve as a collection site starting later this week.
Howard, trying to stay positive, is grateful every time she sees another person come lend a hand.
“I think God for everything; everybody that’s helping. Thank you for all the generous people that’re working really hard,” Howard said.
The Missouri National Guard will be here until June 11. The collection sites have not been identified, so it’s unknown when they’ll be up and running.