Catholic Charities Deploys Disaster Response Team to Copperhill
November 11, 2026, 4:19 p.m.

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee volunteers. Image by Catholic Charities

KNOXVILLE - In response to the recent flooding that has impacted residents of Copperhill and surrounding communities, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (CCETN) has deployed its Disaster Response Team to the area to provide immediate assistance, assess community needs, and support long-term recovery efforts.

The team arrived on-site on Tuesday, November 10, meeting emergency management leadership and residents, delivering critical supplies to Copperhill City Hall, and distributing disaster relief information to affected households. Staff and volunteers are working alongside local partners to identify unmet needs and connect survivors with available resources.

"Flood recovery doesn't end when the water recedes," said Deacon David Duhamel, Executive Director of CCETN. "Our goal is to walk alongside individuals and families throughout the recovery process, helping them navigate available assistance programs, address unmet needs, and rebuild with dignity and hope."

Through its Disaster Relief Services program, CCETN provides disaster survivors with individualized case management and recovery support, including access to emergency housing assistance, distribution of food and other essential supplies, connections to community resources, advocacy and assistance navigating relief programs, and ongoing recovery planning.

As part of the organization's response, critical cleanup and recovery supplies are being distributed throughout affected communities, including trash bags, shovels, mops, brooms, squeegees, headlamps, food, baby supplies, tarps, blankets, hygiene products, and paper goods. The Disaster Response Team is also distributing informational flyers that outline available services and provide contact information for residents seeking assistance. Services listed on the flyer include emergency housing assistance, connections to critical community resources, disaster case management, and personalized recovery planning.

"Our Disaster Case Managers are here to help survivors understand their options, develop a recovery plan, and access the resources they need to move forward," Duhamel said. "We know recovery can be overwhelming, and we want families to know they are not alone."

Residents affected by the flooding are encouraged to contact CCETN's Disaster Relief Services team for assistance. English- and Spanish-speaking staff are available.

Disaster Relief Services Contact
Phone: 865-524-9896, ext. 7
Email: disasterresponse@ccetn.org

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (CCETN) serves individuals and families across 36 counties in East Tennessee through a wide range of programs, including housing stability, family support, hunger relief, pregnancy services, immigration legal services, mental health counseling, disaster response, and more. Guided by its goal of "providing help and creating hope", CCETN responds to immediate needs while helping individuals and families build lasting stability and self-sufficiency.