About Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) provides hope, help and loving care for the most vulnerable and needy in the eight civil parishes of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. We work to be the hands and heart of Jesus Christ for our brothers and sisters in need. Through our ministries, programs and community partnerships, we provide a comprehensive network of social services that connects clients to resources and acts as a springboard to self-sufficiency for those struggling. We offer support that empowers individuals, families and communities to grow and thrive.

We embrace the poor and vulnerable no matter who they are! Catholic Charities serves people in need regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or economic status.

CCANO serves the eight civil parishes of the Archdiocese of New Orleans with nutrition services benefiting the entire state. Catholic Charities serves the homeless, hungry, the elderly, at-risk youth, pregnant women, individuals with developmental delays, and many more.

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency.

Catholic Charities History

The Catholic Church in Louisiana can trace its heritage of providing social services to the time of the French exploration and settlement with the arrival of the Ursuline nuns in 1727. Catholic services to the needy is interwoven throughout Louisiana’s history. For more than 288 years, Catholic institutions of education, healthcare, and social services have been assisting the poor, the orphaned, the hungry, the sick, the disabled, the abused, the aged, the displaced, the homeless and the troubled.

Incorporated in 1938, Associated Catholic Charities was established to help coordinate the numerous agencies serving the poor and vulnerable of the Archdiocese. What began as a committee grew to a 3-person staff managed by a Board of Directors. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest and most active Catholic Charities agencies in the United States. In 1996, the agency became known as Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO).

Although three centuries have passed, the Ursuline nuns’ legacy continues through CCANO and its mission to care for those in need. Over the years, the size and scope of service of CCANO has evolved to meet the needs of the community. From Child Welfare Services throughout the mid to late 20th Century to Immigration and Refugee Services in the 1970s, to recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010, Hurricane Isaac in 2012 and onward…

CCANO offers life-giving programs, advocates for the voiceless and empowers the most vulnerable to foster a more just society.