Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) has served as a national advocate for the most vulnerable in our nation, guided by the basic belief in the inherent dignity of every human being.
CCUSA’s Social Policy priorities are guided by the the moral responsibility of society to ensure that the dignity of human life is reflected in all aspects of public policy. We advocate for policy initiatives that enable the strengthening of individuals and the reduction of poverty.
It is our tradition and belief that our country, through its policies and federal budget, must demonstrate a priority for attending to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable persons in society.
Key Issue Areas
- Family Economic Security: All persons should have the opportunity to adequately provide for themselves and their families. The family is the indispensable and essential unit of our society, and policies must promote and strengthen the economic security of families.
- Health Care: Special attention must be paid to the basic health needs of the poor and marginalized. Health care reform, and addressing such needs, is a matter of fundamental justice.
- Housing: Catholic Charities agencies across the country have worked to develop safe, affordable housing for families at every level on the housing continuum from homeless shelters and affordable housing development, to home purchasing.
- Hunger: It is unacceptable in a nation as bountiful as ours that children, adults, and senior citizens experience food insecurity that puts their physical, mental and developmental health at risk.
- Special Populations: In the advocacy work of CCUSA, particular focus is given to the needs of special populations, including but not limited to the elderly, the disabled, those living within our justice system, rural and urban populations, immigrants and refugees, and the victims of injustices perpetrated by others.
- Workforce Development: CCUSA believes education and skills training are essential to the long term success of our nation’s youth and adults. It is a fundamental part of creating a competitive workforce and a strong economy that benefits all. Education is not only necessary for economic advancement, but it also has wide ranging social benefits that promote the common good.
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