Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego

Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego, 619-231-2828. Provides critical support services for children, adults and families, including counseling, pregnancy and adoption services, immigrant and refugee services, senior, homeless and emergency services.

Why do we exist?

Our mission at Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego is to provide social welfare programs, witness to the scriptural values of mercy and justice, and advocate for the poor and vulnerable -- regardless of faith -- within San Diego and Imperial Counties.  Established in 1919, we remain always faithful to our original mandate: assist the child, the family, the immigrant, and the marginalized.

What makes Catholic Charities unique and what contributes to the success of our programs is our core belief and commitment to empowerment-based practices.  This model is often contradictory to typical social welfare programs that hinder individuals from seeing themselves as self-reliant, able to identify and accomplish goals, and capable of affecting positive change.  We serve as a catalyst, building trust and encouraging individuals in their pursuit of personal and economic self-reliance.

What have you accomplished?

Since its inception, Catholic Charities has been dedicated to serving the poor and is highly recognized as a social services leader both locally and nationally.  We annually assist over 50,000 men, women, and children through 29 programs at 48 sites throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.

We are a State of California licensed adoption agency, mental health outpatient clinic, psychology clinic, and group home. 

We are certified by the Bureau of Immigration Appeals to assist applicants for permanent residence, citizenship, and other immigration benefits.

We are a provider of emergency assistance, including food and shelter:

Last year:

• 33,676 people in need of food received help out at three Food Resource Centers

• 2,000  women visited Rachel's Women's Center, a day center for homeless women
• 22,000 nights of shelter were provided at our two homeless men's shelters
• 148,327 meals were provided to men, women and their children at our homeless shelters
• 1,053 men, women and children received counseling through Clinical Services.

Although statistics speak to program accomplishments, the best achievements come from those we serve.  As one woman wrote:

"I started a new beginning at fifty-four years old. I have always heard that some people are a paycheck away from being homeless. This is the situation I found myself in a few months ago. When I became homeless, I came to [Catholic Charities'] Rachel's Night Shelter. . .  Having a stable place to stay, with meals and work clothes provided, allowed me to start a savings plan. With my savings plan I bought a car. I now have reliable transportation to get to and from my new job. From the Shelter, I plan to move into the House of Rachel [a transitional residence]. I truly believe with faith and a good attitude you can reach your goals. Thank you God, Rachel's Night Shelter, and the staff for a start over and a new beginning."

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