Our city is in need.
Let's respond.

On May 16, tornadoes swept through St. Louis, leaving devastation in their path. Families lost loved ones, homes were destroyed, and many are still without power or basic supplies.

As a church, we want to love our neighbors well by responding with compassion, presence, and hope.

Pray

As you pray, consider the many people affected in different ways:

• Families who are grieving the loss of loved ones

• Those who lost homes or belongings and are now displaced

• Neighborhoods that will carry this trauma for months or even years

• First responders and volunteers offering care and protection

• Local churches and partners who are meeting needs on the ground

• Teams going out to serve in vulnerable areas

Ask God to bring peace, comfort, healing, resources, and strength.

Give

We are collecting supplies to meet urgent and ongoing needs. Items can be dropped off at The Journey West County on Sunday or throughout the week.

Shelf-Stable Protein
Tuna, chicken, or salmon in pop-top cans, beef jerky

‍Complete Meal Kits
Microwaveable mac and cheese, canned soups or stews, Hormel Compleats, pop-top meals

‍Healthy Snacks
Granola bars, protein bars, trail mix, applesauce pouches, fruit cups, crackers, pretzels (individually wrapped)

‍Drinks
Bottled water, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade, Pedialyte, or Liquid I.V.

‍Baby Items
‍Formula, baby food, diapers, wipes, new or good condition used baby bottles

‍Toiletries & Hygiene Items
Travel size toothbrushes, travel size toothpaste, travel size deodorant, hand sanitizer, menstrual supplies, soap, new socks and new underwear.

‍Clothing
Clean, gently used or new clothes in good condition - all sizes

Amazon Wish List
‍
View items from an Amazon wishlist for current shelter residents. Refresh Community Church will continue to add to this list as needs arise, so please keep checking it!

Serve

We are partnering with Refresh Community Church to send out volunteers directly into the communities most impacted.

‍Opportunities Include:
• Neighborhood cleanup in partnership with Restore STL

• Relief work in North City with Urban Born (clean-up, supplies, food distribution)

Bring gloves, chain saws, push brooms, tools, snacks, trash bags, or anything else that might be helpful.
_______________________________________

View current Volunteer Opportunities through Refresh Community Church Text "ServeSTL" to (314) 350-7473
to recieve text updates about serving opportunities.

HOW WE SERVE MATTERS

Many of our neighbors are experiencing trauma, loss, and vulnerability. Let’s approach every moment with humility, compassion, and care.

Here are a few important reminders for trauma-informed service:

1. Lead with Listening
Don’t assume. Ask gently. Let the community lead.

2. Respect Boundaries
Give physical and emotional space. Let people guide what they need.

3. Be Present, Not Performative
Show up with humility, not with a need to be the hero.

4. Protect Dignity
Don’t take photos of people without consent. Focus on sharing resources, not stories that aren’t yours.

5. Watch Your Words
Avoid minimizing anyone’s experience.

6. Stay Regulated
Your calm presence helps others feel safe.

Our city is in need. Let's respond.

Pray

Give

Serve

Our city is in need.
Let's respond.