The Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection will take place the weekend of Sept. 17 and 18 in the St. Cloud Diocese.
CCHD is the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic bishops. Its mission is to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities — “offering a hand up, not a hand out.”
Twenty-five percent of the collection stays in the diocese. Kathy Langer, director of social concerns for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, is the diocese’s local director of CCHD. She meets with a variety of non-profits to see if they meet the criteria of CCHD and later visits the sites of funded groups. Bishop Donald Kettler approves each of the grants.
Four local initiatives are currently receiving CCHD funds. Assemblea, with leadership, staff and members in Waite Park and Minneapolis, and Greater MN Worker Center, based in St. Cloud, are nationally funded at about $30,000 each for 2016-17. The Blandin Foundation in Staples and The Rural Life Initiative in the Onamia area are receiving local CCHD funds this year.
Developed in 1970, the campaign is committed to supporting organizations led by low-income individuals as they work to end poverty and improve their communities. CCHD is made possible by the generous support of Catholics in the U.S., especially through the annual parish collection.
To donate, use the designated envelope included in your parish offering envelopes, or mail a check made payable to CCHD to the Department of Social Concerns, 911 18th St. N., St. Cloud, MN 56303.