Archdiocese of Chicago

The Archdiocese of Chicago's Domestic
anti-poverty, social justice program

The Chicago Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the Archdiocese of Chicago’s domestic anti-poverty, social justice program.

Our mission is to address and combat the root causes of poverty in America.

Founded in 1969 in Chicago by Bishop Mike Dempsey, the Chicago CCHD's innovated pastoral strategy was the empowerment of the poor through a methodology of participation and education for justice, impelled by the Church's biblical tradition, Catholic social teaching, and pervasive poverty in the United States.  The Chicago CCHD is part of the national Catholic Campaign for Human Development of the U.S. Catholic bishops.  Projects funded locally and nationally receive support from an annual, nationwide collection taken up in parishes.

We have fought for affordable housing, empowering seniors, defending human life and dignity, immigrant justice, safe neighborhoods, supporting the organizing efforts of people with disabilities, promoting family stability and fighting for worker's rights.

Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical letter Caritas in Veritate - Charity in Truth, is the driving inspiration behind the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Rey Flores
312-534-3690
rflores@archchicago.org