By David Strom

Steven Reason is one of the many St. Louis residents displaced by the May 16th tornado that tore through the metropolitan area. He found refuge at one of the American Red Cross shelters set up immediately after the storm.

“That night, I was watching a YouTube video and dozing off when I heard the warning on my phone,” he said. “I could hear the wind blowing outside my apartment, then the lights started flickering, and then I could hear glass breaking. I made sure my mother was okay, and I evacuated to my building’s hallway. After the storm passed, I went outside and could see part of the wall in my building was gone, and many windows were blown out.”

“I lost a lot of furniture and clothing, which was heartbreaking. I feel for anyone who has lost irreplaceable things.”

The Red Cross reached out to Reason and his neighbors and told them about the various shelters and other resources that were available.

“They are a great group,” Reason said, “and I give the Red Cross a lot of kudos and cheers. They did what they were supposed to do – they are always willing to help. They provided plenty of food and clothing, and even provided high-quality toiletries. We put our lives in the hands of their staff and volunteers, and they were so helpful and resourceful.”

Reason recommends that anyone facing a crisis call the Red Cross.

“They are for everyone and have plenty of resources to help in a disaster. If it wasn’t for the Red Cross, things for me would be in way, way worse shape. I hope we can get the city back together soon. I can’t thank them enough. If it wasn’t for the help from the Red Cross, I don’t know where I would be right now.”

If you need disaster recovery assistance, call 1-800-REDCROSS and download the free Red Cross emergency app.