Parish Social Ministry - CCHD

Every 4 hours, a child is born into poverty in Maine. Up to 11.5% of Maine's population lives in poverty.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), funded yearly by a special collection in all parishes the weekend before Thanksgiving, offers mini grants to local anti-poverty initiatives throughout Maine. Recently, questions were raised about who gets funded and how eligibility is determined, so we would like to share the following information with you.

CCHD funds eligible organizations that meet the Basic Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. See letter from Bishop Morin, USCCB

The CCHD philosophy emphasizes empowerment and participation for those in poverty. By helping the poor to participate in the decisions and actions that affect their lives and communities, CCHD empowers them to move beyond poverty. Catholic organizations that meet this criteria can be eligible for funding. It does not fund “direct service” projects, but rather, those that address the root causes of poverty and bring about institutional change by involving consumers in the process of change.

CCHD Funding - FAQ

Eligibility Criteria for CCHD Funding

All applications for funding must be endorsed by a Parish Social Justice & Peace Commission and approved by the Bishop.

2009/2010 funded groups:

Volunteers for Hancock Jail Residents

My Sister’s Keeper Mentor Program

Kennebec Valley Organization

Food and Medicine — Worker Center Eastern Maine

We appreciate all contributions to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and hope this collection will again allow us to support worthy projects.

There’s no vacation from poverty

If you have any questions about local CCHD funds, please call 1-800-CARE-002.

CCHD helps us fulfill the appeal of Pope Benedict XVI in this year’s World Day of Peace Message:

I extend to every disciple of Christ and to every person of good will a warm invitation to expand their hearts to meet the needs of the poor and to take whatever practical steps are possible in order to help them. (2009 World Day of Peace Message: Fighting Poverty to Build Peace, #15.)

We are located: 307 Congress St. Portland, ME 04104 m

Mail to: PO Box 10660 Portland, ME 04104-6060 m

Call us: Toll Free in Maine: 1-800- CARE -002 1-207-871-7464 Ext: 2670 Fax: 1-207-523-2764