The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) has dedicated $750,000 in federal workforce funds to assist individuals impacted by the devastating severe storms and tornadoes on May 16 in St. Louis and southeast Missouri. These funds will provide temporary wages to eligible individuals who are interested in helping with storm cleanup.
“These communities need immediate support as they continue to navigate cleanup and recovery efforts,” said Julie Carter, Director of the Office of Workforce Development. “We also have Missourians looking for opportunities to earn a wage while they get back on their feet. These funds will help supplement relief efforts and provide much-needed support to those in need while Missouri awaits additional federal assistance.”
MDHEWD is partnering with Local Workforce Development Boards, including the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE), the Workforce Development Board of Southeast Missouri, local elected officials, and community organizations, such as the Urban League, to make these opportunities available to eligible individuals. Participants will earn an hourly wage for time spent assisting with removing debris and repairing damaged infrastructure. Recovery will be focused on the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and six southeast Missouri counties — Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne.
Cleanup opportunities through this initiative will begin June 1 and will continue while Missouri awaits a response to Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major disaster declaration. If approved, federal assistance will become available to support recovery efforts.
Individuals interested in learning more about these efforts can email questions to specialgrants@dhewd.mo.gov. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, visit recovery.mo.gov.