About Us
Our History
“All welfare work is based on the tenet, “Love One Another,” In employing the scientific instead of hit and miss methods the central bureau will provide assurance that there is no break in our battle against poverty, suffering and privation. Unity is a prime requisite today.”
— The Most Reverend John J. Mitty, Archbishop of San Franciso when announcing the creation of the Affiliated Catholic Charities of Alameda County in 1934
2020s
The COVID-19 pandemic put extraordinary pressure on hardworking East Bay families already living paycheck to paycheck. Overnight, people lost jobs, children struggled to learn online, and stress and anxiety increased as families crowded together in small apartments.
As an essential social services agency, we remained open throughout the pandemic to provide emergency services as well as core program services.
- Millions of dollars of assistance were distributed to keep families housed.
- Thousands of pounds of fresh and non-perishable food provided a vital lifeline to families and seniors.
- Catholic Charities donors responded to the call donating more than $200,000 to help families with health and hygiene supplies, laptops for distance learning, food delivered to their doors by case managers and other essentials
2010s
In 2018, we became one of the three original partners of Keep Oakland Housed, a 5-year pilot to prevent homelessness based on the proven success helping families and seniors in the face of eviction.
2000s
Our efforts were recognized at the state, local, and federal levels:
- Board of Supervisors of Alameda County Annual Heroes Award
- State Senate Recognition upon receiving the American red Cross Bay Area Chapter Award for our Katrina Response
- Special Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives from The Honorable Barbara Lee, Member of Congress.
In 2006, we join with the City of Oakland address community violence by forming staff and volunteer teams respond to local homicide. In 2008, a California State Senate Certificate of Recognition honored Catholic Charities’ on-going violence prevention and intervention efforts on behalf of Oakland Residents (sponsored by Senator Don Perata).
Beginning in 2006, Catholic Charities becomes one of the first social service agencies in the Bay Area to incorporate Restorative Practices and Restorative Justice in its mental health and violence prevention work, later training other service providers in this approach.
1990s
We pioneered services to people with HIV/AIDS through housing services to fight discrimination. The Safe Schools Project was launched to address the issue of school violence towards gay and lesbian youth, and an outreach task force was formed to reach out to disaffected Catholics in the gay and lesbian community.
As president of CCUSA, Rev. Fred Kammer, SJ, enhanced and expanded the advocacy department, began co-sponsorship of the Catholic Social Action Gathering of the United States Catholic Conference and involved Catholic Charities USA in public policy issues, notably the historic healthcare and welfare reform efforts of the 1990s.
Help vulnerable families in your community.
1980s
We responded to the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake with a special appeal for funds and immediate action to assist survivors. Major damage to the Cypress structure freeway was immediately adjacent to Catholic Charities Oakland headquarters.
The Division of Employment and Training program at Catholic Charities helps people 55 years and older who want and need to work. The program provides counseling, training, and skills assessment.
1970s
Catholic Charities created the Prison and Community Justice program in 1971 following riots at San Quentin and Attica prisons.
We launched the Refugee Resettlement and Employment program to serve the influx of refugees from Southeast Asia following the Vietnam War.
In 1979, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Oakland is incorporated under the laws of the State of California. We are known in the community as Catholic Charities of the East Bay.
1960s
In 1962, The two counties of Alameda and Contra Costa are now served by the newly formed Diocese of Oakland.
In 1965, Catholic Social Services of Alameda County becomes Catholic Charities and 433 Jefferson Street becomes the new headquarters.
1950s
Decent housing was long a concern of Catholic Charities. Msgr. John O’Grady, who, according to one author, was the “unsung hero” of the America public housing movement, believed that providing a decent house was essential to helping people out of poverty.
1940s
Catholic Charities follows the leadership of Catholic Charities USA in professionalizing social services staff. Later, Catholic Charities joined the war efforts by organizing blood drives and providing hospitality to service members.
The Affiliated Catholic Charities of Alameda County changes its name to Catholic Social Service of Alameda County in 1945.
1930s
On August 16, 1934, at Columbus Hall in Oakland, The Most Reverend John J Mitty, Archbishop of San Francisco announced the planned union of 36 Catholic aid agencies in the East Bay into one: The Affiliated Catholic Charities of Alameda County. Father Joseph P. Mulkern was tasked with leading the agency. (This was 24 years after the founding of the National Conference of Catholic Charities, see below.)
Operations began in 1935 after Father Mulkern finished consolidation and organization of the agencies.
Catholic Charities assists the city of Berkeley in organizing a counter protest to a Ku Klux Klan rally.