(Funding for the local CCHD grants comes entirely from the local CCHD Collection. For every $25,000 collected, another organization receives a micro-grant averaging $5000. See our top performing parishes!)
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development has awarded three Oregon organizations with its 2018-19 national grants.
The Archdiocese of Portland's Catholic Campaign for Human Development has also awarded its 2018-19 local grants to seven programs that strive to fight the root causes of poverty.
Electronic Version (including video) from Catholic Sentinel
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The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the national anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. It began in 1970 because poverty was rampant then, just as poverty is rampant today.
CCHD funds programs in communities across the United States that empower individuals to address the root causes of poverty in their own communities and challenge existing societal factors and structures that perpetuate poverty. Projects may also challenge existing economic structures by creating alternative economic models – economics as if people mattered.
CCHD has distributed more than $6 million to organizations within the Archdiocese of Portland!
In the light of the Catholic Church's moral and social teachings and tradition, organizations adhere to the basic principles of life and human dignity that are central to the Catholic mission. Grant applicants are assessed on their ability to find solutions to local problems and to improve local economic conditions.
CCHD is an essential part of the Church in the United States’ social mission, and a unique part of the Catholic community’s broad commitment to assist low-income people, families, and communities.
Local Catholic Campaign for Human Development grants were awarded to
Catholic Charities ($4000) envisions the development of Creative Kitchens in SE Portland, offering dignified, stable, and professional work to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CCHD funds would be used to determine the market and business viability of this social enterprise before applying for a national CCHD grant.
Huerto de la Familia of Eugene ($5000) provides low-income Latino immigrants the opportunity to grow organic produce to feed their families because of the high rate of food poverty among Latino immigrant families and the lack of affordable, nutritious food. CCHD helps fund its Organic Garden Program.
MACG Vision of Multnomah and Washington Counties ($5000) is an established community organization with an identifiable Catholic element, which mentors and trains leaders of the Latino community to enable these new leaders to work collectively with members of their community to work on the root causes of issues facing their members. The 2018 CCHD grant will fund its efforts to expand its base into Washington County.
Outgrowing Hunger of East County ($5000) increases the ability of low-income refugees to obtain and consume fresh produce through development of neighborhood-based agricultural projects, while developing job skills. CCHD Funds provide support beginning Karen (Burmese) refugee farmers in East Portland.
PHOENIX Rising Transitions of Gresham ($5000) provides transitional support, education, mentoring and community building with special concern for releasing convicts, ex-convicts and their families, crime victims and the community. CCHD funds will support the program Building Community to increase community involvement and expand into Oregon State Penitentiary
Unete, Center for Farm Worker Advocacy ($6000) is a movement of farmworkers and immigrants educating their community and advocating for worker rights and full participation in the decision-making processes affecting their lives. It is the oldest Latino-led non-profit in the Rogue Valley.
CCHD funds support its Parent Leadership program that enables parents to advocate for their school-age children in the local school districts. The project has expanded to include a support group for Latino parents of children with special needs.
Zomi Catholic Community ($5000) is Burmese refugees based in St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Its mission is to break the cycle of poverty by developing innovative and culturally relevant solutions to economic development to increase household income. CCHD funds will help the organization in its initial development.