Diocesan Resources
CCHD Newsletter Helping People Help Themselves Issue 21.1 (2021)
CCHD Newsletter Helping People Help Themselves Issue 21.1
The Post-Pandemic Path Ahead by Beth Griffin
This issue examines how several Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)-funded organizations adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and developed new approaches that strengthened their missions and outreach.
While COVID-19 created significant challenges, it also encouraged grassroots organizations to innovate, expand collaboration, and reach more people through virtual platforms and community partnerships.
The newsletter presents the pandemic not only as a crisis but also as an opportunity for growth. It highlights how CCHD-funded organizations used creativity, technology, and strong community relationships to continue serving vulnerable populations, advocating for justice, and building stronger networks that could remain effective long after the pandemic.
Featured Organizations:
1.Disabled Rights Action Committee (DRAC) — Utah:
DRAC, based in Salt Lake City, advocates for people with disabilities and helps individuals live independently rather than in institutional settings. During the pandemic, the organization:
- Distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency financial assistance.
- Shifted advocacy activities and meetings online.
- Successfully lobbied elected officials through virtual meetings.
- Expanded participation in events by using online platforms. A virtual Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary event reached over 10,000 viewers, far exceeding previous in-person attendance.
2.Dallas Area Interfaith (DAI) — Texas:
DAI, a faith-based community organizing network, used its parish and congregational infrastructure to respond to needs exposed by the pandemic. Its efforts included:
- Organizing phone outreach to assess community needs.
- Partnering with Catholic Charities to distribute food to thousands of families weekly.
- Advocating for rental assistance distribution.
- Supporting access to COVID-19 testing.
- Expanding a parish identification card program that helps undocumented residents access services and interact safely with law enforcement.
3.The Ezekiel Project — Michigan
The Ezekiel Project, an interfaith community organization in Saginaw, had planned to focus on education funding reform before the pandemic altered its strategy. In response, it:
- Organized conversations about educational equity and systemic reform.
- Coordinated food drives with other faith groups.
- Provided information and resources for small businesses and faith communities.
- Used online platforms to maintain community engagement and leadership development.
CCHD Director Ralph McCloud notes that the featured organizations relied on skills developed through years of community organizing: listening to people, building relationships, and empowering local leadership. He argues that these strengths enabled them to respond effectively during the crisis while remaining focused on human dignity, justice, and poverty reduction.