Catholic Campaign for Human Development Celebrates 50th Anniversary

August 27, 2020

In collaboration with Catholic Charities, CCHD helps enhance human dignity in our communities.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the national anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Church. As part of the Office of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops, CCHD works to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities.

Through poverty education, as well as national and local grants within each Catholic diocese of the U.S., CCHD is able to help improve communities in the unique ways that each of them needs, rather than a nation-wide program for all dioceses that may or may not be addressing the most relevant needs of that particular area. All CCHD-funded organizations must adhere to Catholic moral teachings, and are vetted through their local CCHD diocesan director (Catholic Charities) and local bishop, as well as the national Bishops Council. CCHD strives to amplify the voices of the poor in identifying long-term solutions to poverty. The organization also works to lift up the voice of the Church by involving Catholic faithful and parish and diocesan leaders in supporting, educating and participating in grassroots social change.

In a recent letter to diocesan leaders, Ralph McCloud, director of the CCHD, stated, “Nearly 50 years ago, the bishops of the United States founded the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. As preparations were underway to find ways to address poverty in the United States, Cardinal Dearden of Detroit said, ‘We do not intend to set up a program in any patronizing or paternalistic way that tells people what they need and provides it to them. We want to know what they need. . . . They will need to tell us.’ In the months that followed the bishops worked together with consultants and organizers to develop what has become the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Through the years we have witnessed the work of CCHD time and time again, empowering people living in poverty, strengthening social justice work in communities across the country, and educating people of all ages about poverty and its roots causes.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of CCHD helping communities to create jobs and affordable housing, improve education, increase access to needed resources, and find solutions to local problems and ways to improve the lives of those experiencing poverty, ranging from the elderly to new mothers to immigrants and other most vulnerable members of our communities.

The mission of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is to serve and enhance human dignity of people of all faiths and beliefs. Through our collaboration with the CCHD and those who support it, we are able to help meet the needs of those living with poverty, and enhance their dignity by raising their voices and leadership within our communities.

More than 38 million people in the U.S. are living below the poverty line (approximately $245 per week for an individual, and $500 per week for a family of four, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). An additional 100 million people across the country are living in “near poverty,” and within the St. Cloud Diocese, an average of 10% of our community members are in poverty. The need for CCHD is as important as ever.

Meanwhile, this anniversary is happening all while communities are facing the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For all in our communities, this year has been and will continue to be one that unfortunately pushes more families into economic distress, and those already experiencing hardship further into poverty. CCHD’s 50th anniversary is an opportunity to not only commemorate five decades of transformative work, but to reengage the Church in the work to address poverty’s root causes and strengthen all our community members, especially those on the margins.

“Because of people like you,” says McCloud, “CCHD has touched countless lives. On behalf of those lives, I thank you for your support and dedication!”

Parishes throughout the Diocese of St. Cloud will take up a special collection in support of the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development the weekend of September 19–20, 2020. To make a donation, return the envelope found in your parish packet, or send your donation marked “CCHD” to your parish office or directly to the Chancery at: PO Box 1248, St. Cloud MN 56302.

Our Recent News

By Brittany Hoversten October 15, 2025
Homelessness can be an isolating and heartbreaking experience. For many individuals, it can feel like an endless cycle of setbacks, leaving them uncertain of where to turn for help. This is the story of Tyrone, a 37-year-old man who, after spending an extended period on the streets, found his way to Catholic Charities Emergency Services—and with it, a renewed sense of hope and a path forward. Tyrone's journey began when he was introduced to Catholic Charities by the staff at Place of Hope in St. Cloud, a shelter that provides support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Tyrone was eager to make a change, but he knew he faced some significant challenges: securing stable housing and finding a job. To do this, he needed identification and other key documents, which would be vital for his employment and housing applications. When Tyrone came to Catholic Charities, he was not just seeking food assistance—he needed tangible support to help him rebuild his life. We were able to offer exactly what he needed, starting with a free bus pass to help him get around. This small but crucial gift allowed him to travel to job interviews and important appointments without the burden of transportation costs. In his appointment with our Financial Assistance program, Tyrone was relieved to learn that Catholic Charities could offer additional support. First, we helped him obtain his state identification card, followed by his birth certificate. These documents were essential for Tyrone to move forward with securing employment and housing. After some interviews, Tyrone accepted a job at a local restaurant in St. Cloud. We were able to help him purchase two pairs of black pants, a necessary uniform requirement for his new position. With the right clothing and documentation, Tyrone was ready to take on his new job. Looking back on his experience, Tyrone shared how grateful he was for the help he received from Catholic Charities. Our services gave him more than just the physical items he needed—they provided him with the tools and resources to regain his independence and start a new chapter in his life. We are proud to have been a part of Tyrone’s journey, and we are committed to helping others in our community who are facing similar struggles.
By Brittany Hoversten September 16, 2025
Our team is deeply committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community for our seniors, and the journey of one special individual exemplifies this mission. Raphael's story began two years ago when he discovered our Senior Dining services at the Whitney Center, thanks to a recommendation from a friend. From the moment he walked through our doors, he found more than just a place to eat — he found a home. Raphael quickly became a cherished member of our Senior Dining community. He was drawn to the warm, inviting atmosphere and the delicious meals prepared by our dedicated Food Coordinator. Raphael often shared how much he appreciated the quality of the meals, a sentiment that echoed throughout his time with us. Beyond the food, it was the kindness and professionalism of our volunteers and staff that left a lasting impression on Raphael. “Such beautiful people,” he often said when talking about his experience with us. It was this sense of belonging that inspired Raphael to give back, and with the help of our Senior Dining Coordinator, he was able to become a valued volunteer. Whether helping in the dining room or assisting behind the scenes, Raphael’s contributions were always appreciated. However, life’s changes sometimes bring new challenges. Recently, Raphael’s schedule shifted, making it harder for him to visit us regularly. Yet, our Senior Dining Coordinator remained committed to ensuring he still received the meals he relied on. Despite Raphael not being initially eligible for Meals on Wheels, our team worked diligently to secure county approval, so he could continue to benefit from this essential service. For Raphael, this thoughtful care reinforced his belief that he is "blessed" to have access to our services. What stands out most for Raphael, however, is the personal touch he receives from our staff and volunteers. “Being greeted by name,” he says, “makes all the difference. It shows that you are valued and appreciated.” These small but meaningful gestures help to foster a strong sense of community and are what make the Whitney Center such a special place. A Call for Volunteers At Catholic Charities, we know that the warmth of our community would not be possible without the support of our dedicated volunteers. We are always in need of individuals willing to make a difference in the lives of seniors in our community. If you’re looking for a way to give back, we have opportunities in several areas: Delivering Meals on Wheels Preparing food in our kitchens Setting up dining sites for meals Serving meals to seniors Cleaning up after meals Assisting with clerical tasks These opportunities may vary by location, so please reach out to your local Catholic Charities Senior Dining Site Coordinator to learn more and sign up to volunteer. By offering your time and talents, you can help ensure that more seniors like Raphael continue to experience the sense of community and care that makes our Senior Dining services so meaningful. Thank you for being a part of the Catholic Charities family and for helping us make a difference every day.
By Jenna Pettit August 14, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.