Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville plays a vital role in disaster recovery when natural or human-made disasters strike in the Nashville community. We are proud to be an active member of the area-wide Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) group, which coordinates the recovery activities of many nonprofit organizations in the region, as well as the Management Agency Housing Taskforce. 

As part of the organizing committee for Nashville Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD), which advocate for preparedness, ensures coordination among Middle Tennessee agencies during a disaster, and manages long-term recovery efforts to restore communities to pre-disaster standards or better.

Our work includes short-term assistance, such as emergency cash assistance and meals, and long-term recovery, such as counseling and job-training. We also open our community facilities to other organizations providing ongoing disaster relief and recovery.

2026 Winter Storm Fern Assistance

General Assistance
Applicants are encouraged to complete Nashville VOAD’s survivor information and intake form for assistance. Following submission of this form, a member of the VOAD team will be in touch once resources become available.

Food Resources
In addition to food pantries at our Family Resource Centers located throughout Middle Tennessee, those in need may search for additional nearby food pantries through Second Harvest’s Find Food Helper.

Eviction and Legal Support
Free eviction protection and legal services are available through Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.

Older Adult Support
Older adults needing assistance should call FiftyForward at 844-505-6387.

Airbnb + Temporary Housing
Catholic Charities has partnered with Airbnb and CCUSA to support 20 families with up to 10 nights each using complimentary lodging credits. If you are experiencing power loss, housing damage, or related displacement, please email disasterrelief@cctenn.org for more information.

Our Previous Disaster Response in Middle Tennessee

• December 2023 Tornadoes 
• 2021 Floods – We assisted with rent, mortgage, and utility payments, as well as food assistance and mental health services.
• 2020 Christmas Day Bombing – We were the only agency funded by a federal grant to provide relief to survivors of the Christmas Day bombing in downtown Nashville.
• Pandemic Response – We offered a wide range of supports to those laid off with grants from the CARES Act, Metro Government, and other sources.

Need Additional Disaster Assistance Information?

Our email address for disasters-related information and assistance is disasterrelief@cctenn.org. Language translation services are available.

Helping Our Neighbors in Other Regions and States

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, accepts donations to help with disaster relief efforts in regions beyond our own. When disasters occur, we work alongside other Catholic Charities organizations and parishes throughout the U.S. to bring aid to communities affected by crises.