With the Eighth World Day of the Poor coming up on November 17, 2024, Pope Francis is calling on people of faith and goodwill to combine the power of prayer with real, hands-on action. This day isn’t just about raising awareness, it’s also a reminder to dig deeper and tackle the root causes of poverty. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) lives out this mission all year long, working to transform our communities from the ground up.

The Call for Deeper Charity

In his message for the Eighth World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis reminds us of a powerful truth: prayer without action falls short, and charity without a spiritual foundation can’t last. He calls for a deeper kind of charity, one that’s about real connection and closeness, reaching out personally to those facing poverty and hardship. True charity, he emphasizes, must be grounded in justice, steering clear of quick fixes that don’t truly meet the needs of those we’re called to serve.

From Quick Fixes to Systemic Change

We often focus on temporary fixes for things like hunger, homelessness, and unemployment that, while essential stopgaps to address important immediate needs of those on the margins of our society, don’t address the root causes of poverty. Pope Francis challenges us to go further and create systemic changes that empower communities to build lasting opportunities and dignity, “Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society.” This is asking us to move beyond “mere philanthropy” to a prayerful, justice-driven approach that makes charity truly transformative. As the Pope reminds us, “If prayer does not translate into concrete action, it is in vain; indeed, 'faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead' (Jas 2:17).” The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) embodies this vision, supporting community-based efforts that empower those experiencing poverty to tackle poverty’s causes. By putting our faith into action, CCHD helps foster change that’s not only sustainable but deeply fulfilling.

Highlighting CCHD’s Work in Local Communities

CCHD’s work focuses on change at the local level, where it supports grassroots organizations addressing the root causes of poverty. These groups are making a real difference in their communities. For example:

• KC Can Compost in Kansas City, Missouri is an innovative program that combines environmental sustainability with social impact. By providing job training through a composting business, KC Can Compost helps individuals who are facing barriers to employment, such as those with prior convictions or limited work history. By doing this, it helps build skills for green industry jobs. Participants gain not only a paycheck but also a sense of purpose and a pathway to a stable career in an emerging field. 
• Parents United for Change in East St. Louis is focused on empowering families. This parent-led group has been a strong advocate for equitable treatment in schools, particularly during the challenges of virtual learning. Their persistent efforts have led to improved communication with the school district, ensuring that discipline and truancy issues are handled fairly. Additionally, they have championed better meal quality for students, earning a spot on the district’s wellness committee to promote healthier food options. This ongoing collaboration demonstrates the power of community-led advocacy in improving children’s educational and nutritional environments. 
• Centro de Trabajadores Unidas en la Lucha (CTUL) is an organization that fights for workers’ rights. CTUL stands as a shield against wage theft and other workplace injustices, providing essential protections for both unionized and non-unionized workers. Their work ensures fair treatment and financial security, helping laborers support their families while fostering equitable workplaces. 
• Strangers No Longer is active in several Michigan dioceses with a mission rooted in compassion. This outreach organization serves immigrants and refugees by offering basic assistance, from food and clothing to legal support. Beyond meeting basic immediate needs, Strangers No Longer advocates for systemic immigration reform, ensuring that newcomers find not only a supportive community but also a voice in the broader societal dialogue. 
• The Four Bands Community Fund is a Community Development Financial Institution (CFDI) located in South Dakota. They recognize the unique challenges faced by Native American entrepreneurs. One example is the incubator program they launched designed to reduce the financial risks of starting a business. By providing affordable commercial spaces for experimentation, Four Bands fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in a remote community, creating jobs and boosting economic growth. This program empowers individuals to transform their creative visions into thriving businesses, enriching the local economy while honoring the cultural heritage. 

Each of these initiatives exemplifies the Catholic Campaign for Human Development’s commitment to addressing poverty at its roots. By empowering communities to take control of their futures, CCHD is fostering systemic change in communities throughout the country. 

Becoming Pilgrims of Hope on World Day of the Poor

Ultimately, Pope Francis invites us to be “pilgrims of hope,” walking alongside the poor in a spirit of solidarity and justice. On this World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis encourages us to see care for the poor not just as a box to tick but as a lifelong commitment to justice and systemic change. We’re called to pray and act with compassion, conviction, and purpose, making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

This World Day of the Poor, let’s recommit to a faith that listens, prays, and acts. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) gives us a concrete way to do this, offering organizations across the country resources and support to tackle the root causes of poverty while honoring the dignity and potential of every person. As you head to Mass this weekend, you have the opportunity to support the CCHD Collection at your parish. When you support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, it means that we’re able to help more groups take their mission further.  If your (arch)diocese doesn’t participate, you can support the collection online with #iGiveCatholicTogether or send your donation to:

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

USCCB Office of National Collections

P. O. Box 96278

Washington DC 20090-6278

Make your check or money order payable to: "Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Through your support of CCHD, we can turn our compassion into sustained action and respond to the prayers of the poor. As we head toward the Jubilee Year of 2025, let’s keep shining the light of prayer and harnessing the power of solidarity in our shared mission for justice and peace.

About CCHD

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) was established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to carry out Jesus’ mission, "...to bring glad tidings to the poor...liberty to captives...sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free" (Luke 4:18).

CCHD follows two main objectives. First, to help low-income people and those experiencing poverty participate in decisions that affect their lives, their families, and communities. Secondly, we seek to educate and enhance the public’s understanding of poverty, its root causes, and the systems that allow it to persist.

To learn more, check out our educational resources, encounter stories of hope, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!