More than 1.5 million children experience homelessness in a year.

More than 38 million Americans live in poverty

“... to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”—Micah 6:8

Poverty USA & the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)

Poverty USA is an initiative of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and was created as an educational resource to help individuals and communities to address poverty in America by confronting the root causes of economic injustice—and promoting policies that help to break the cycle of poverty.

The domestic anti-poverty program of the US Catholic Bishops, CCHD helps low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families, and communities—and nurtures solidarity between people living in poverty and their neighbors.

Encounter

It takes all of us together to make a difference. Do you have something to say about living in Poverty USA, or finding a way out? Share your ideas and commitment with your friends and community.

Stories of Hope

Supporting Restorative Justice Practices in St. Louis

For 50 years, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has supported organizations in communities across the US that make positive differences in people's lives. By confronting the root causes of poverty and funding local groups that address systemic issues such as criminal justice, we aim to improve the lives of those who are marginalized. Every single person, as created in the image of God, is entitled to a happy and dignified life.

black and white photo of crowd with hands raised in worship

Doing Good Isn't Always Easy. But it's Never Been More Important.

"Goodness, together with love, justice and solidarity, are not achieved once and for all; they have to be realized each day. It is not possible to settle for what was achieved in the past and complacently enjoy it, as if we could somehow disregard the fact that many of our brothers and sisters still endure situations that cry out for our attention.”

people standing arm in arm with each other

How You've Helped Us Lift the Downtrodden for 50 Years

For 50 years now, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has supported community organizations that address and remedy the root causes of poverty -- and we couldn't have done it without your help. Learn where your dollars have gone over the years.

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Multimedia

The Web of Poverty

In the United States, tens of millions of people live in a web of poverty. This video offers a unique insight into the complexity of poverty, how it connects to everything that we do and the factors that keep so many people and families entrapped.

Poverty USA

Learn more about the reality of poverty in the United States and find out how PovertyUSA.org can help you to join the work to address its root causes.

Two feet of Love in Action

As missionary disciples, we are called to respond to God’s love through both Charitable Works and Social Justice. This video on the Two Feet of Love in Action is perfect for sharing on social media and in your networks.

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Learn

The key to solving a problem? Understanding it. Listen to real stories about people living in poverty, learn the facts about poverty in the United States, understand the root causes, and—just as important—how people are helping themselves and others out of Poverty USA.

Last year, 1 in 7 American households were food insecure.

Act

There are lots of ways to take action. You can spread the word about poverty in the United States, advocate for change, find and support organizations in your community, give time or resources or contact local representatives.