More than 1.5 million children experience homelessness in a year.

More than 37 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

Two men embrace each other during a community engagement event.

6 Ways to Observe the Sixth World Day of the Poor

On the Sixth World Day of the Poor, join CCHD’s mission to eradicate poverty. Read more to learn what you can do and ways to get involved.

A image of a grocery cart sitting near a cooler full of products

What Causes Food Insecurity and What are Solutions to It?

Imagine the entire state of California not knowing where their next meal will come from. For 38.3 million Americans—just shy of California’s 39.5 million population—this uncertainty is a reality of daily life. Learn more about food insecurity here.

World Day of the Poor 2021: Striving for Economic Justice

Sunday, November 14, 2021, is the fifth World Day of the Poor. It is a time where we are reminded of our call to empower and uplift our brothers and sisters who are marginalized and fall victim to systemic poverty. As Catholics, it is our duty to intentionally encounter those experiencing poverty in order to understand it on a deeper level...

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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.