ST. LOUIS – Tuesday marked the second day of operations for the disaster assistance center at the Chaifetz Arena following a devastating EF3 tornado last month.

The partnership between the City of St. Louis, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and Saint Louis University has resulted in hundreds of residents seeking help.

“I miss my home,” said Patricia Wells, a resident of The Greater Ville Neighborhood in north St. Louis. 

Her insurance temporarily pays for her to stay at a hotel, but Wells has struggled to find help with repairs.

“It’s hard trying to find contractors in our area right now,” she said.  “I’m having to piece together people to try to work on my home.”  

Wells was just one of the residents turning to the disaster assistance center for help on Tuesday.   For the next few weeks, the center will still be open to residents who were impacted by the tornado.

“I think it gives them some hope,” said Melissa Friel, preparedness division manager for the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency.

She said 466 family members came to the center seeking assistance during the first day of operation. 

Friel said the agencies offering help include a combination of community services, faith-based organizations and non-governmental organizations. 

“A lot of folks are really struggling, but they’re grateful to be able to come here and talk to the different agencies,” she said.

Wells found the center to be helpful and hopes other affected residents are aware of its existence.

The center will continue to operate through Thursday of this week, from Monday through Wednesday next week, and Monday through Thursday the week after that. 

Hours of operation each day are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to register before arriving.  For more information, visit here.