Relief & Assistance Programs

State Resource, Recovery & Rebuilding Center

Joplin residents affected by the devastating tornado have a one-stop shop for state resources and recovery assistance.

The State of Missouri Resource, Recovery & Rebuilding Center is open at 3600 E. Newman Road. The facility is a one-stop shop for Joplin residents who have been affected by the tornado and who need assistance with temporary housing, unemployment assistance, driver’s licenses and other identification cards, and other issues.

This center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The phone number for the Resource, Recovery and Rebuilding Center is 417-625-9100.

Jumpstart Joplin – Housing

Jumpstart Joplin provides support for both immediate construction and rehab of single-family homes, as well as long-term development of both single and multi-family homes for the city’s working families.

Business Recovery Resources

There are a number of programs and awards available to help Joplin businesses recover from tornado damage. Select a program below to learn more.

  • Grow Missouri Disaster Loan Program – Provides financial assistance and access to capital to businesses and nonprofits directly impacted by flooding or tornados, located in Presidentially-declared disaster areas in Missouri in the Spring of 2011.
  • Small Business Disaster Loan Program – Provides financial assistance and access to capital to businesses directly impacted by flooding or tornados, located in Presidentially-declared disaster areas in Missouri in the Spring of 2011.
  • Private Activity Tax Exempt Bond

Other Assistance Resources

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals should call 211. The 211 service number is now available for most areas in Missouri. In areas where the 211 number is not operational, citizens can call 800-427-4626. Missourians can also find information about finding loved ones, registering as Safe & Well with the Red Cross and replacing lost food stamps.

  • Search for Red Cross shelters near you
  • Safe and Well – Tornado victims and their family and friends are encouraged to register as “Safe and Well” with the Red Cross. You can also search for missing family member and friends.
  • www.ozarksredcross.org – Get updates from the Greater Ozarks Regional Chapter’s blog.
  • Missouri Social Services is assisting families impacted by recent storms in applying for, or replacing food stamps for food purchased that has been lost or damaged. Staff from the Missouri Department of Social Services is ready to assist families at local shelters and local social services offices.

Missouri Disaster Recovery Jobs Program

Workers who are unable to work due to the tornado that struck Joplin on May 22 can apply for temporary jobs to restore Joplin. The jobs will focus on clean-up and humanitarian efforts, such as clearing and removing debris. Under the Missouri Disaster Recovery Jobs Program, the first priority will be to employ workers who lost their job because of the tornado. Second priority will go to workers who are unemployed for other reasons. Job and safety training and equipment will be provided for each worker, in addition to vaccinations or other preventive medical procedures necessary to work in the disaster area. Watch video

To apply for a job under the Missouri Disaster Recovery Job Program…

  • You must be eventually registered with the program by going to jobs.mo.gov. You can register now. This is not an application, but will speed your application process when the time comes.
  • Visit the Joplin Career Center (730 S. Wall Ave., 417-629-3000) or the The Workforce Investment Board (105 N. Rangeline Road), between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to apply.

Missourians can also learn more about the program at The Bridge, 3405 Hammons Blvd.

Health Concerns

It’s important to be aware of health risks following a natural disaster like a tornado. The Missouri Department of Health has resources available to help you and your loved ones stay healthy, such as how to get rid of mold and advice for getting safe drinking water and food. Learn more…

Local public health agencies

Joplin City Health Department
Phone: 417-624-6453
Address: 321 East 4th Street, Joplin, Mo.
Jasper County Health Department
Phone: 417-358-3111/Toll Free: 877-879-9131

Newton County Health Department
Phone: 417-451-3743

Mental Health Center Counselors Available

Ozark Center, the local community mental health agency in Joplin, has counselors staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the following crisis hotlines: (417) 347-7070, (417) 347-7720, and (800) 247-0661. Highly trained and credentialed staff is available to individuals and families to address issues of trauma and grief for all ages.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

If your place of employment is unable to operate due to tornadoes or another type of natural disaster, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. Visit the Missouri Department of Labor’s website to find out if you are eligible Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Individuals who may be eligible for DUA should call 800-788-4002 for information about filing a claim. File an unemployment claim.

There are two locations in the city of Joplin to help jobless victims file for unemployment claims and receive re-employment services.

  • Missouri Career Center, 8th and Wall Ave.
  • Missouri State Resource and Recovery Center, 3600 E. Newman Road

Environmental Concerns

If you have an environmental emergency report, call the 24-Hour Environmental Emergency Response Hotline at (573) 634-2436.

The Department of Natural Resources waived specific solid waste and air pollution regulations to give residents and communities in two Missouri counties additional flexibility in cleaning up from the May 22 severe weather outbreak that included a tornado that cause extensive damage to Joplin.

Further information is available on the department’s natural disaster resources webpage. Fact sheets on proper disposal of storm debris and other related information are also available.

Tornado Preparedness

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, they strike quickly and can cause fatalities and devastate neighborhoods in seconds. Learn what you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. Read more…