Kelly Clark

On May 16, 2025, a devastating tornado tore through St. Louis, Missouri, and ultimately cost my son Ryan (27) and me, Kelly (46), our home. Since then, our lives have been turned upside down. I am profoundly disabled, having recently survived a 22-minute cardiac arrest and a type of stroke called a TIA. Ryan, who is also disabled, has become my caregiver, as I am almost entirely bedbound. We have been homeless since November 15, 2025, and every day is a struggle to find safety and stability. Our journey has been made even harder by the trauma of domestic violence. We are both survivors—my most recent ex-partner sexually assaulted me, and physically, mentally, and psychologically battered both myself and Ryan. Despite these hardships, we have tried to keep going, relying on what little savings and emergency funds we had. We have received assistance from charitable organizations like Lifeline Aid Group, but as small, grassroots groups, there is only so much they can do. We are now at a point where we need to ask for help from our wider community. All funds raised will go to helping us stay in safe shelter and meeting needs of daily life, with the ultimate goal of secureing a long-term place to stay, such as an AirBnB, or ideally to purchase a vehicle like a minivan or an RV camper. Having a minivan would give us emergency shelter and a way to get around, opening up more opportunities for assistance and affordable housing. An RV or camper would provide us with a home and the chance to begin recovering and rebuilding our lives. Donations of any amount or kind are welcome and helpful—even the smallest contribution can help us get to a food pantry, pick up medications, or attend doctor appointments. We have no family or friends able to help, so every bit of support means the world to us, especially during these difficult and uncertain times.