Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, is offering emergency assistance and recovery efforts to individuals and families impacted by the March 2020 tornadoes. Our services include:
Short-Term Assistance
- Emergency cash assistance
- Housing, including renter/landlord conflict resolution
- Material goods, such as furniture, clothing, household good, cleaning supplies, and more
- Meals
- Assistance in working through the process over the short and long term
Long-Term Assistance
- Expert counseling for trauma-caused stress, anxiety, feelings of isolation, for individuals and families
- Workforce development through job training and placement
- Ongoing case management focused on stability
- Housing assistance in partnership with FEMA and TEMA Housing Taskforce, including rebuilding assistance, buying assistance, and more
Case management
A team is working directly with survivors to assist with urgent, immediate problems for clients, such as eviction prevention, temporary housing, household goods, food, even diapers for babies. (See chart below for more info.) Case managers may refer clients to additional Catholic Charities services, but they will also refer clients to other community/government agencies, as needed or when appropriate.
Counseling
Our team of counseling professionals is currently focused on preventing long-term emotional problems that can be caused by traumatic events, such as the tornado, the bombing, or sudden, mass unemployment caused by the threat of coronavirus. Our experience helping survivors after the 2010 flood in Nashville taught us that it can take 18 months or longer for many people impacted by these disasters to recognize the after effects and to recover emotionally. All Catholic Charities counselors are professionals expert at helping clients address issues of stress, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, and much more.
Locations for services
- Catholic Charities at C. E. McGruder (North Nashville: 2013 25th Avenue North, Nashville, 37208)
- Catholic Pastoral Center (Donelson: 2806 McGavock Pike, Door #7, Nashville, 37214)
- Online counseling is available
Part of Nashville Community Response
In addition to our direct services, Catholic Charities is an active member of the area-wide Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) group, which coordinates the recovery efforts of many nonprofit, civic, government, and funder organizations in Nashville.
Catholic Charities either provides services directly, and/or refers people in need to other resources when specific situations require.