CCHD's mission is "to address the root causes of poverty in America through promotion and support of community-controlled self-help organizations and through transformative social justice, education, and solidarity between poor and non-poor".
[1] The Campaign had its origins in the 1960s with Chicago priest (and later Bishop) Michael Dempsey while serving as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish on the West Side.
[3] Future cardinal Joseph Bernardin also played a major role in its founding.
CCHD is supported by an annual collection in U.S. Catholic parishes, and individual donations.
[citation needed] CCHD had revenues of $18.1 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.