Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does Catholic Charities do?
For 77 years, Catholic Charities has committed itself to finding solutions for some of our society’s most pressing challenges; actively living its vision to “honor human dignity” and mission “to put faith in action to improve the lives of those in need.”
 
Catholic Charities provides services through its six Centers of Excellence:
  • The Children’s Learning Center
  • The Center for Educational Opportunity (Adult Basic Education)
  • The Center for Self-Sufficiency & Housing Assistance
  • The Center for Refugee Support
  • The Center for Immigration & Citizenship Legal Services
  • The Center for Community Involvement (Senior Transportation, In-Kind Donation Center, Mobile Food Pantry)
  • Catholic Charities Affordable Housing Development
Does all the money donated stay in New Mexico? 
Every dollar raised stays in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Valencia counties. All funds go directly to create self-sufficiency for those working to create a better life for themselves and their families.
Who does Catholic Charities help? Do you have to be Catholic?
​Catholic Charities assists people regardless of race, religion, country of origin, disabilities, gender, age or sexual orientation. In collaboration with local churches and secular community organizations, Catholic Charities’ 85-person staff and more than 200 volunteers provide services to over 17,500 individuals and 5,400 families throughout Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Sandoval, and Valencia counties each year.
Is Catholic Charities run by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe?
​As the local affiliate of Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Charities is a separate 501(c)(3) corporation and is managed independently. It has a volunteer Board of Directors made up of community members to provide governance and make policy. The Archbishop John C. Wester serves as its corporate member.
Does the money raised go to The Archbishop or the Archdiocese of Santa Fe?
​None of the money raised goes to the Archbishop or the Archdiocese. All contributions stay within Catholic Charities to support programs serving the most vulnerable in our community. 
How is Catholic Charities funded?
​Because of the services that Catholic Charities provides, it is largely funded by federal, state and local dollars. Approximately 85% of the operating budget comes from government dollars. The remainder is funded by private individuals, local corporations, foundations and other community partners.

​To donate to Catholic Charities, visit the donate page 
If I need help or I'm interested in Catholic Charities' services, who should i contact?
Please call our main number, 505-724-4670. Our receptionists are available from 8 am - 5 pm on Monday - Friday to help direct you to the right place for your needs. 
How can I donate to disaster relief?
Catholic Charities USA, the national Catholic Charities organization, support individuals and families impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms. CCUSA forwards 100 percent of funds raised to Catholic Charities agencies that serve affected communities. Click here to donate to CCUSA's Disaster Relief efforts online.

Catholic Relief Services responds immediately when emergencies occur around the world. Click here to contribute to CRS' disaster relief efforts outside of the US.
The mission of Catholic Charities is to put faith in action to improve the lives of those in need. We provide services to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen families, fight poverty, and build community. As the local 501(c)(3) affiliate of Catholic Charities USA, we remain dedicated to finding solutions to some of the most pressing social challenges individuals, children and families face regardless of race, religion, color, country of origin, disabilities, gender, age, or sexual orientation.