Tent City pops up again in Joplin after tornado

Missouri food banks are continuing efforts to support individuals impacted by the Joplin tornado last month. Now news about historic water releases from upstream Missouri River resevoirs is prompting agencies and organizations to plan for relief efforts, including around the St. Joseph, Missouri area.

A recent news report on the Joplin KOAM-TV website indicated a tent city was created to support tornado victims. A tent city created by homeless people in Joplin was bulldozed in 2010 by city officials. An article in the Joplin Globe reinforced common stereotypes of homeless people rather than explore socio-economic conditions in the area which may have caused the need. “The kinds of reports we’ve been called to are varied: assaults, drinking, various code violations, intimidating behavior,” Police Chief Lane Roberts said. “It runs the gamut, but it’s difficult to control because it’s off the beaten path.”


Around 20 tornado survivors have been staying in tents there since at least Memorial Day.  Most of the people living in Tent City are members of an extended family and are related to the land owner.
Based on plans by area food banks to provide a mobile food pantry to the tent city location to serve those that need food assistance, it appears there is a more compassionate approach to helping people needing services in Joplin.

Missouri River Flooding
The Second Harvest food bank located at 915 Douglas in St. Joe may need to be evacuated to an alternate site due to possible flooding. The evacuation may include relocating all the food in the food bank's warehouse, plus finding workspace for office workers in order to continue operations.

The City of St. Joseph has provided information on evacuation routes and services. The map shared here demarcates the location of the potential flooding area along the Missouri River in south St. Joe, along with its proximity to the food bank.



View 2011 Missouri Flooding - St. Joseph, MO in a larger map

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