Climate Resilience

Unpredictable and severe weather events are already shaping the health of Missouri communities.

Rising temperatures, stronger storms, and more frequent floods are testing the systems that keep people safe and healthy.

Our vision is that policies, practices, and resources are put in place to keep residents healthy despite these increased weather events, resulting in a more resilient Missouri.

Why It Matters

Extreme weather is no longer rare in Missouri. In just the past few years, our state has seen record heat waves, catastrophic flooding, and tornadoes that have destroyed homes and disrupted lives. These events don’t just cause property damage—they expose and deepen health inequities. When systems are already strained, a disaster can make it harder for people to access care, stay cool, find safe housing, or afford basic needs.

At Build Missouri Health, we see climate resilience as an essential part of health equity. The same investments that prepare communities for the next storm—affordable housing, clean energy, neighborhood green space—also make daily life healthier, safer, and more connected.

Our Approach

We work alongside local leaders and organizations to strengthen the systems that make resilience possible. Through fiscal sponsorship, we support community-based solutions that help neighborhoods prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related health challenges.

Our focus is on:

Building local capacity to plan and respond to extreme weather.
Centering equity and community voice in every climate and health initiative.

Investing in youth and leadership development to ensure lasting impact.

The Youth Community Leaders Program

The Build Missouri Health Youth Community Leaders Program empowers young people to take action on local sustainability efforts that can improve health outcomes for their communities.

Participants, ages 16–26, receive training, mentorship, and a $2,000 stipend to design and complete a community-driven project—anything from a school recycling program to a community garden.

The program’s goals are simple but powerful:

Strengthen communities by supporting youth-led, community-driven solutions to environmental and health challenges.
Build hope and purpose by equipping young people to become the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers.

By investing in young leaders, we’re investing in the future of Missouri’s resilience—because the next generation will be the one to carry this work forward.

About Youth Leaders

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Fiscal Sponsorship Highlight

Green City Coalition

We are proud to partner with Green City Coalition as the organization's fiscal sponsor.

Green City Coalition is a formal partnership between the City of St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District working collaboratively with member organizations and neighbors to convert vacant and abandoned properties to new community-owned green spaces that promote healthy, biodiverse, and resilient neighborhoods.

About Green City Coalition

Get Involved

Building a more resilient Missouri takes collaboration. Whether you’re a local organization, a community leader, or a funder looking to support this work, we invite you to partner with us.

Learn more about fiscal sponsorship and how Build Missouri Health can help you bring your climate and health ideas to life.

About Fiscal Sponsorship