Heal Our Land: Fountain Park Tornado Relief Fund

On May 16, 2025, an EF3 tornado tore through North St. Louis, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Fountain Park, a neighborhood rich in history and culture, was among the hardest hit. The storm claimed five lives, injured at least 39 individuals, and damaged or destroyed over 5,000 buildings across the city, with Fountain Park bearing a significant portion of the devastation.

Fountain Park is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of St. Louis. The neighborhood has a population of approximately 1,075 residents, predominantly African American. Living not far from these devastated homes, we felt the need to bring much needed relief the residents. The area is known for its iconic fountain, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. Many residents have lived here for generations, contributing to the neighborhood's rich cultural tapestry.

Starting in the early hours, Ginelle Bess began a bootstrapped campaign to help the residents of Fountain Park. Ginelle brought food and much-needed necessities to the residents in the early hours. As Ginelle's work got more exposure, many rushed to help donate funds and volunteer to assist in the cleanup efforts. A week+ after the tornado, Ginelle continues to use donations to house residents in hotels, coordinate volunteer efforts, and get emergency resources into the hands of those affected in real time. You can follow Ginelle's inspiring work on Ginelle's Instagram Page.

We are allocating these funds in a few different manners. Currently we are using the dollars to pay for dumpsters and other trash removal services. We too are housing residents in hotels to ensure they are not sleeping on the street. We have purchased clothing and basic necessities for many who have nothing more than the shirt on their back. We have purchased warm meals, clean supplies, and other materials necessary to rebuild.

The tornado's impact on Fountain Park has been catastrophic:

Residential Destruction: Numerous homes have been leveled or severely damaged, leaving families homeless and in urgent need of shelter.

Infrastructure Damage: Essential services, including electricity and water, have been disrupted. Streets are blocked by debris, and public spaces are unusable.

Community Displacement: The destruction has forced many residents to seek temporary housing, disrupting lives and livelihoods.

Our Mission

We aim to raise $100,000 to support the immediate and long-term rebuilding efforts in Fountain Park. The funds will be allocated as follows:

Emergency Relief: Providing food, clothing, and temporary shelter to displaced residents.

Home Repairs and Rebuilding: Assisting homeowners with repairs, construction materials, and labor costs.

Community Restoration: Rebuilding public spaces, including parks and community centers, to restore the neighborhood's communal spirit.

Why Your Support Matters

Rebuilding Fountain Park is not just about restoring buildings; it's about revitalizing a community. Your contribution will directly impact families striving to return to normalcy, preserve the neighborhood's heritage, and foster a renewed sense of hope.

Transparency and Accountability

We are committed to complete transparency. Regular updates will be provided on the progress of the relief efforts, including detailed reports on fund allocation and success stories from beneficiaries.

Join Us

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to restoring Fountain Park. If you're unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network is equally valuable.

Together, we can rebuild Fountain Park stronger than ever.