Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development begun in 1969 by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 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 America through promotion and support of community-controlled, self-help organizations and through transformative education.

Over the years, CCHD has given $280 million to more than 7,000 self-help projects developed by grassroots groups of poor persons. In the Diocese, 22 grants totaling $584,550.00 have been given to 7 self-help projects/organiztions. Currently, CCHD has funded 315 projects based in local communities. In addition, hundreds of smaller projects are funded through the 25 percent share of the CCHD collection retained by dioceses. The projects' successes and the relationships developed have significantly changed the lives of the poor in our country.

Annually the Diocese of Kalamazoo, through the Kalamazoo Diocesan Services Appeal, makes a contribution to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Seventy five percent of the funds goes to CCHD to fund national grants, twenty five percent of the funds stays in the diocese and funds local CCHD grants and educational efforts.

For 37 million Americans, every day is a bitter struggle to survive with the least. They are America's poor, left behind on the road to prosperity. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development has created this site to raise awareness about poverty and help close the borders of this forgotten state. Click on the Poverty USA image to tour America's forgotten state, learn more about the face of poverty and find out what CCHD is doing to help.