Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Catholic Campaign for Human Development aims to help people help themselves

Guest Columnist

Chamon Williams

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) was developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops working to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ as a domestic anti-poverty program. “The future of humanity does not lie solely in the hand of great leaders, the great powers and the elites. It is fundamentally in the hands of people and in their ability to organize. It is in their hands, which can guide with humility and conviction this process of change … ” (Pope Francis, Address at the World Meeting of Popular Movements, Bolivia).

The mission of CCHD is to empower communities by providing education on poverty and its causes. It is through the education for justice that a community can formalize and advocate for themselves reflecting the decree of the Scriptures and principles of Catholic social teaching. Since 2013, CCHD has invested nearly $2.5 million to support environmental justice projects such as water pollution, air pollution, energy efficiency, and community development within 22 states throughout 31 dioceses. Nearly 50 dioceses and nearly 300 parishes and 90 Catholic institutions, including Catholic Charities have partnered with organizations sponsored by CCHD in the struggle for justice for immigrants.

The work of CCHD is made possible by the support of Catholics in the United States through the annual parish collection that will take place in our diocese on Nov. 12-13. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is an instrumental part of the Catholic Church in the United States’ social mission and commitment to assist low-income communities. Please consider supporting this essential ministry of our diocese. Twenty-five percent of all of funds raised will support anti-poverty efforts within our diocese. (Chamon L. Williams is the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.) BC

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