CCHD Annual Report 2015

The State of

POVERTY

USA

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47 million people live in poverty.

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More than 20% of children live in poverty.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) invests in the

dignity of our brothers and sisters living in poverty by funding programs

that support self-suf ciency and self-determination. Our work is based on

the belief that those who live in poverty have the best insight into how to

remove the barriers that keep them there. CCHD supports grassroots organi-

zations that work to bring permanent and positive changes to their commu-

nities through community development grants, technical assistance grants,

economic development grants, and national strategic grants.

Community Development Grants

Community development grants range from $25,000-$75,000 and work to

nurture solidarity between people living poverty and those who do not.

Projects funded by these grants empower those living in poverty to identify

and take action to change problematic systems and structures in their

communities.

In Action

Around Charleston, South Carolina, many children live in poverty, creating

undue stress and uncertainty in their lives. Compounding their problems,

deteriorating school systems struggle to provide quality education and appro-

priate discipline, and there is a high rate of school-based arrests. By engag-

ing congregations and communities all over the city, the Charleston Area

Justice Ministry (CAJM) is working to improve the education system and

keep kids in school and out of the juvenile justice system. With a grant from

the CCHD collection, CAJM is able to provide community engagement to

reduce youth arrests and violence, which in turn keeps families together.

Economic Development Grants

Economic development grants range from $25,000-$75,000 and support

community-based organizations and businesses that create just workplaces,

provide quality jobs, and develop assets for low-income people. CCHD

supports projects that encourage people living in poverty to hold leadership

roles and have ownership in local organizations.