The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic bishops. It was established in 1969 to address the root causes of poverty in the United States through promotion and support of community-controlled, self-help organizations and through transformative social justice education.

The CCHD philosophy emphasizes empowerment and participation. By helping the poor to participate in the decisions and actions that affect their lives, CCHD empowers them to move beyond poverty. CCHD supports grassroots organizations as they create jobs, improve neighborhoods, train adults for employment at a living wage, keep schools safe and enriching for children, and raise leaders for the future.-Life and Dignity of the Human Person. All human life is sacred, made in the image and likeness of God. Society and its structures should aim to lift up the human person.

Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

-Call to Family, Community, and Participation. Humans are social and develop in community, starting with family. We should construct our society so all can flourish and participate in the decisions that affect them.
-Rights and Responsibilities. Every human person has basic rights inherent in his or her very nature. We have a responsibility to organize our society so the rights of all can be fulfilled.
-Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. Those who are weak, vulnerable and most in need deserve preferential concern.
-The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers. Through work, humans participate in God’s ongoing process of creation. Work has dignity and the basic rights of workers must be respected.
-Solidarity. We are one human family and are called to work for the common good—so that each individual can flourish materially, spiritually, and in all ways.
-Care for God’s Creation. The earth has been entrusted to us, its stewards. All of creation is interdependent and its gifts are for all to share.