Catholic Charities

Social justice and charity to all, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, are integral parts of our Catholic faith. Catholic Charities of New York, a federation of more than 90 agencies extending from Staten Island through Sullivan County, provides a network of services to meet the direct needs of the communities we serve.

Its history began with the War of 1812 and the Civil War, which left thousands of children orphaned. Catholic groups stepped in, becoming the largest caretakers of children in need. During the Great Depression, what is now known as Catholic Charities began helping the unemployed find housing and jobs. In the mid-20th century, it served as an innovator in mental health treatment and helped fight the “War on Poverty”.

During the next three decades, more than 50 new affiliates developed to fight the scourge of drug addiction, take on rising housing costs, help care for those with AIDS, and provide homes for those affected by the deinstitutionalization of persons with mental illness. Its continual evolution has also made Catholic Charities excel in crises: When terrorists attacked on 9/11, it helped establish an integrated system of services, and when Hurricane Sandy pounded New York in 2012, it helped mobilize comprehensive disaster relief.

With the funds allotted by the capital campaign—$4 million—Catholic Charities will be able to work more effectively with communities across the archdiocese, offering additional support and initiatives. A portion of the funds, $1 million, will be earmarked for an endowment in the upper counties of our archdiocese to provide emergency grants. The other $3 million will provide support to grow and enhance our services over the next decade.