About Us

Established in 1970 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is an instrument of the Catholic Church working to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ;

"...to bring glad tidings to the poor...liberty to captives...sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free" (Luke 4:18). 

Poverty USA is an initiative of CCHD and was created as an educational resource to help individuals and communities to address the root causes of poverty in America.

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 empowering low-income people, families and communities.

Guiding Principles

CCHD abides by a two-fold mandate: 

  • To help low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, their families, and communities. 
  • To provide education and promote understanding about poverty and its root causes.

This dual strategy of helping people who are experiencing poverty speak and act for themselves and education for economic justice reflects the mandate of the Scriptures and the principles of Catholic social teaching.

CCHD invests in the dignity of people living in poverty. Programs funded by CCHD support self-sufficiency and self-determination for people who are working to bring permanent and positive change to their communities.

CCHD Philosophy

Our philosophy emphasizes empowerment and participation. By assisting the poor in participating in the decisions and actions that affect their lives and communities, CCHD “helps people help themselves” to move beyond poverty.

CCHD is made possible by the generous support of Catholics in the United States, especially through an annual parish collection. CCHD’s grants to local anti-poverty efforts are screened, awarded, and monitored in close partnership with local Catholic dioceses. CCHD grants given to groups in a local community require the explicit approval of the bishop of that diocese.  In addition, twenty-five percent of the annual collection stays within the local diocese to support initiatives that address poverty’s root causes in the local community.

For more information about fighting global poverty, visit Lead the Way, an initiative of  Catholic Relief Services (CRS) with support from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, or contact us directly with questions.