The Catholic parishes of upper East Tennessee are joining together to lead disaster-relief efforts as communities find themselves without water, basic necessities, and even roads to access assistance.

The tremendous response from people across the diocese and the region is inspiring but not surprising to the bishop. That's how most people are, because we are made in the image and likeness of a loving and generous God, he said.

Hurricane Helene's broad impact across an entire swath of the U.S. South means resources will be stretched thin following the massive storm, according to Peter Routsis-Arroyo, the CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami.