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The A2 Times
Where Systems Fail, We Rise: MCU and Mutual Aid After the Storm
A series of devastating storms and tornadoes swept through Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia over the weekend, leaving at least 28 people dead. The storms caused widespread destruction—homes were flattened, vehicles were tossed, and thousands were left without housing. Missouri, especially St. Louis, suffered significant losses with five fatalities, 38 injuries, and over 5,000 homes damaged.
On May 16, a powerful EF3 tornado tore through St. Louis and surrounding communities, leaving a trail of destruction. Beyond the city, the suburbs and nearby towns were hit hard. Entire neighborhoods now face the daunting challenge of rebuilding. Among those impacted was Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU), an A2 member, whose building sustained major structural damage, disrupting their regular work.
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Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) building following the tornado, St. Louis, MO, 2025, Photo: MCU.
While the physical damage is evident, the official response has been slow. FEMA, the federal agency responsible for disaster relief, recently announced it is unprepared [[link removed]] for this year’s hurricane and disaster season and not beginning to survey damage until Wednesday, May 21, vulnerable families have been left without urgent assistance.
In this critical moment, MCU is stepping up to fill the gap. For more than 25 years, MCU has organized alongside communities across St. Louis and its suburbs to fight for racial and economic justice. They know that when disaster strikes, those already struggling suffer most, and official help often arrives too late. That’s why mutual aid is essential.
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Members of MCU following the tornado, St. Louis, MO, 2025, Photo: MCU
MCU has launched a Relief Assistance Fund to support tornado survivors with food, medical care, and daily essentials. Aid will be distributed through MCU’s network of member congregations, ensuring help reaches those who need it most without delay.
To support MCU’s work helping tornado survivors across St. Louis and neighboring communities, donate at mcustlouis.org [[link removed]] .
When systems fail us, community care is our strongest response.
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