When the F3 tornado ripped through North and West St. Louis with winds over 150 mph, it didn’t just tear off roofs and shatter windows—it tore at the heart of a community already fighting to hold on.
For my Tracey, the storm devastated the house she inherited from her mother, Mrs. Evelyn Jones—a beloved schoolteacher whose classroom shaped generations of young minds. The home that once hosted cousins, siblings, barbecues, and block parties now stands severely damaged—its future uncertain.
This block has always been more than brick and mortar. It’s the cradle of resilience. And while the storm hit hard, it’s only the latest blow: decades of disinvestment, predatory development, and the looming pressure of gentrification have long threatened to displace families like ours.
Today, Tracey faces tough decisions. Whether she attempts to stay or must begin again elsewhere, she deserves options that honor her legacy, her family’s sacrifices, and her deep roots in this community.
That’s why we’re raising funds to:
Support Tracey through her recovery journey, including immediate personal needs not covered elsewhere
- Assist with relocation if necessary, and help her retain some stability during an uncertain time
- Preserve family stories and neighborhood ties that might otherwise be lost in the shuffle of post-disaster upheaval
Your gift isn’t just a donation—it’s an act of solidarity. It’s a tribute to a teacher who gave everything she had, and a commitment to keeping our community’s spirit alive even in the face of disaster and displacement.
Please give generously. Together, we can help ensure that when storms and systems try to uproot us, our bonds remain unbreakable.
My name is Ticharwa Masimba, the nephew of Tracey Jones and grandson of Mrs. Evelyn Jones. I was born and raised in the Cora / Elmbank and O'Fallon neighborhood, where the May 16, 2025 tornado caused devastation across several family homes and thousands more across North and West St. Louis.
️ FEMA Disclaimer (add this in fine print or italic)
This fundraiser is intended to support personal recovery and heritage preservation efforts that may not be covered by FEMA or other government aid. All funds will be used to meet needs that fall outside of or supplement any assistance Tracey may receive.
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