Bishop provides update on emergency assistance to upper East TN

Bishop Mark Beckman on Sunday continued to ask for prayers for all those affected by the devastating flooding in upper East Tennessee and for everyone who has been impacted by Hurricane Helene.

During a Mass he celebrated in Chattanooga at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Bishop Beckman provided an update on efforts by the Diocese of Knoxville and its Catholic Charities of East Tennessee to provide emergency assistance to individuals and communities in need.

Catholic Charities, a ministry of the diocese, has been working to get much-needed supplies to Erwin, Greeneville, Newport, and Mountain City, some of the East Tennessee communities hardest hit by severe flooding from Hurricane Helene, whose remnants delivered devastating amounts of rainfall in the area on Friday.

Bishop Beckman and Catholic Charities are working closely with St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Erwin, Good Shepherd Parish in Newport, Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville, St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Mountain City, and St. Mary Parish in Johnson City, whose parishioners have been facing the loss of water and electricity and are in need of basic, everyday items.  

Catholic Charities is ready to assist with immediate needs of emergency housing, food, water, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to call 865-684-1899. Additionally, people may go to their local Catholic church and ask to be put in touch with resources. 

Those who would like to support the reliefs efforts can donate to Catholic Charities of East Tennessee's Disaster Relief Fund at ccetn.org/donate and select Disaster Relief Fund in the designation drop-down.