"In God’s family, where all are sons and daughters of the same Father, and because they are grafted to Christ, sons and daughters in the Son, there are no “disposable lives.” All men and women enjoy an equal and inviolable dignity. All are loved by God. All have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, who died on the Cross and rose for all. This is the reason why no one can remain indifferent before the lot of our brothers and sisters." (Pope Francis’ message for World Day of Peace, 2014)
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, working to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ "... to bring good news to the poor ... release to captives ... sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free." (Luke 4:18)
Founded in 1970, CCHD was created by the Bishops to address the persistent challenge of poverty in the United States. The bishops realized that charity alone could not create the change needed to help people rise out of poverty. What is additionally needed is addressing the root causes of poverty, changing unjust structures that keep people in the cycle of poverty and empowering low-income people to create sustainable change in their communities. The belief that those who are directly affected by unjust systems and structures have the best insight into knowing how to change them is central to CCHD. CCHD works to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities. CCHD offers a hand up, not a hand out. With this goal in mind, CCHD funds community and economic development programs across the United States that help poor and marginalized people join together to make decisions, seek solutions to local problems, and find ways to improve their lives and neighborhoods.
CCHD has a complementary mission of educating on poverty and its causes. This strategy of education for justice and helping people who are poor speak and act for themselves reflects the mandate of the Scriptures and the principles of Catholic social teaching.
CCHD provides the Catholic faithful with concrete opportunities to live out the love of God and neighbor in ways that express our baptismal call and continuing Eucharistic transformation. CCHD is made possible by the generous support of Catholics in the United States, especially through an annual parish collection.
CCHD is an essential part of the Church in the United States' social mission, and a unique part of the Catholic community's broad commitment to assist low-income people, families and communities.
CCHD’s Programs: Collection, Grants and Education about Poverty
Annual Collection
Annual CCHD contributions to support community organizations are made possible by Catholics throughout the United States who contribute to CCHD each year. The CCHD collection is typically held annually in dioceses across the country on the weekend before Thanksgiving. A portion of the collection is specifically designated for local distribution. (See CCHD Local Process below.)
Grants
CCHD has both a national and local grant process for community development and economic development projects/organizations that work to empower low-income people. The Office of Social Justice and Respect Life administers Local and National CCHD Grants for community and economic development. Contact the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life for grant inquiries.
Contact the Office of Social Justice and Respect Life if you are interested in serving on the local committee.
Bishop Soto on CCHD
Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, Chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, talks about the work of CCHD and the annual collection below: