The Mitchell-Walton family home in North St. Louis has been a cornerstone for five generations, ever since it was purchased by David Mitchell, a Black World War I veteran, and his son Joe, a Vietnam veteran. This house has always represented more than just shelter—it’s been a symbol of family love, unity, and the power of cooperation. My father, Peter Walton, grew up here, and now four of us—myself, my brother, and our parents—are all displaced after an EF3 tornado tore through our neighborhood. Both of my parents are disabled and face significant mobility challenges, and one relies on oxygen daily, which makes our situation even more urgent. As we huddled together in a closet, we felt rainwater pouring in, and soon realized the entire roof and hundreds of bricks had been ripped away, leaving several gaping holes that exposed our entire second floor to the elements. Bricks crashed down where my mother had been sitting just moments before. We are grateful to have survived, but our home is now uninhabitable, and each new rainfall causes more damage.

Our most immediate needs are to rebuild the roof, secure the foundation, and clean out the home before further water damage sets in. The urgency is real—without a roof, every storm makes recovery harder. This house is more than a building; it’s a testament to the sacrifices and dreams of America's veterans and the generations that followed. Our friends, colleagues, and community have already shown incredible support with meals, supplies, and encouragement, but we need help to restore our family’s foundation. Your support will help us rebuild, preserve our history, and return home.