November 6, 2007

Catholic Campaign for Human Development Announces 2007 Appeal

“Millions of hard-working Americans struggle to keep food on the table and a roof overhead. Two adults working full-time at minimum wage jobs, with no time off for illness, family emergency or vacation, barely make enough to keep their family above the federal poverty line,” said Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany as he announced the annual appeal and collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).

“For the working poor and others trying to break the cycle of poverty and injustice, CCHD is a Godsend. CCHD translates the compassion of millions of Catholic parishioners into timely and effective solutions to help people overcome the debilitating effects of poverty.” Bishop Hubbard is the Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on CCHD.

This year, the CCHD Collection will be held November 17 and 18 in the Diocese of Buffalo as well as diocese throughout the country.

CCHD projects are aimed at eliminating poverty and injustice in the United States. Since 1970, the Collection has helped CCHD provide more than 8,000 self-help grants to programs initiated and led by poor people throughout the United States. The programs create sustainable jobs, preserve affordable housing, improve neighborhoods, enhance opportunities for youth, and allow people to find a way out of poverty.

According to national data from the U.S. Census Bureau, poverty now affects some 37 million people, or 12.7% of the U.S. population, which is one of every eight individuals.

“Poverty erodes hope and burrows deep into families and neighborhoods. CCHD has battled entrenched poverty with creative, effective projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands,” said Bishop Hubbard. CCHD has provided more than $280 million in grants during its 38 years.

Most of CCHD’s funds come from Catholics who contribute to the annual parish-based CCHD Collection. Other significant support comes from religious orders, foundations, groups, and parish organizations who share CCHD’s commitment to working in partnership with the poor. CCHD allocates the majority of the annual Collection to community and economic development projects submitted to the national office for consideration. Individual dioceses retain 25% of the Collection to fund local self-help initiatives.

More information on CCHD’s nationwide effort to break the cycle of poverty and build community is available at the CCHD Web site at www.usccb.org/cchd.

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