The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the domestic anti-poverty, social justice program of the U.S. Catholic bishops. Its' mission is to address the root causes of poverty in the United States through promotion and support of community-run, self-help organizations and through transformative education. Spiritan Campus Ministry and Just Youth look to CCHD for inspiration, including information and education on poverty and connecting with local social services supported by CCHD.
The National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) established the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the Catholic Church's domestic anti-poverty program, in 1969 with two purposes. The first purpose was to raise funds to support "organized groups of white and minority poor to develop economic strength and political power." The second purpose was to "educate the People of God to a new knowledge of today's problems . . . that can lead to some new approaches that promote a greater sense of solidarity." For more than thirty years, CCHD has funded some 4,000 programs across the United States . CCHD supports local groups as they create jobs, improve neighborhoods, train adults for employment at a living wage, keep schools safe and enriching for children, and raise leaders for the future. These efforts know no racial or religious boundaries. They all help people find a way out of poverty for a lifetime. The CCHD philosophy emphasizes empowerment and
participation for the poor. By helping the poor to participate in the decisions and actions that affect their lives, CCHD empowers them to move beyond poverty. For more information on CCHD please visit their web site at http://www.usccb.org/cchd/index.htmor the US Bishops Conference web site at http://www.usccb.org |
