Accessibility Tools

Skip to main content

Overview

About Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany is one of the largest private social service agencies in the region, helping an estimated 78,000 people each year in 14 counties throughout the greater Capital Region. Our motive is simple: to address basic human needs at all stages of life, regardless of race, religious belief, ethnicity, or lifestyle, with special emphasis on the poor and vulnerable in our society.

Catholic Charities offers a wide spectrum of services, from addressing basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, to more specialized needs such as mental health counseling, prison support services, programs for low-income families, and disaster assistance. We focus on helping the most vulnerable in our communities, including people with developmental disabilities, pregnant and parenting teens, the unemployed, victims of domestic violence, and the homeless. Catholic Charities advocates on behalf of the poor and vulnerable and collaborates with others to build a more just society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catholic Charities?

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany is one of our area's largest, private, non-profit social service providers. We are an independent 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping the poor and vulnerable throughout the 14 counties of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. With the support of our dedicated staff and volunteers, we are responding to those in crisis, providing basic needs, and supporting and protecting the vulnerable. Through our interconnected programs, more than 100,000 individuals are helped each year, and we are strengthening families and communities, as well as empowering individuals.

Who can receive help from Catholic Charities?

Catholic Charities offers help and services to all people living in the 14 counties of the Albany Diocese, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or gender. Many services are based on your location. Please visit our "Get Help" page and select your county to view the services available in your area.

Do you have to be Catholic to receive assistance?

No. Catholic Charities serves everyone without preference to religious belief.

How can I find out more about your services?

Visit our "Get Help" page and select your county to find out more about our programs and services, or browse our agencies and programs pages.

How do I donate to Catholic Charities?

You can find more about the different ways to make a gift or contribution to Catholic Charities by visiting our "Give Help" page on the website. You may also mail in your donation to:

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany
40 North Main Avenue
Albany, NY 12203

Contributions to Catholic Charities are tax-deductible.
For more information, call 518-453-6650 and ask to speak with the Development department.

Can I volunteer with Catholic Charities?

Yes. We need your time and talents to help make our communities a better place.

Please visit our Volunteering Page to learn more about opportunities for groups and individuals to volunteer with Catholic Charities, or contact us at 518-453-6650 for more information.

What if I have other questions?

If you have questions or concerns that are not represented here, please call us at 518-453-6650.

The History of Catholic Charities

Founded in 1917

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany has been a beacon of help and hope since its founding in 1917. Rooted in the values of mercy and justice, we serve people of all faiths and backgrounds, with a special focus on those who are poor and vulnerable. Our mission is simple yet profound: to meet human needs at every stage of life, advocate for a just society, and unite people of goodwill in service to others.

Expanding our Reach

In its early years, Catholic Charities had focused on urban areas like Albany, Schenectady, and Troy, supporting orphaned children, foster families, the sick, and the dying. Inspired by the 1972 Cadre Report, we expanded our mission to address the root causes of poverty through advocacy, social planning, and policy development.

The Late 1970's

By the late 1970s, our reach extended beyond the Capital Region to all 14 counties of the Diocese. Today, nearly 1,000 employees and 1,300 volunteers provide life-changing services to over 86,000 people every year. From basic needs and housing to mental health, immigration support, child and elder care, and disaster relief, we offer a seamless continuum of care as new challenges arise.

Member of Catholic Charities USA

As a proud member of Catholic Charities USA—the nation’s largest social service network—we collaborate on national initiatives, advocate for those in need, and equip our staff and volunteers with the tools to make a difference. For more than a century, Catholic Charities has remained steadfast in its mission: serving our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

    Mission Statement

    Catholic Charities, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, is committed to active witness on behalf of the Scriptural values of mercy and justice.

    Catholic Charities, recognizing human need at all stages of life, responds to all persons regardless of race, creed, or lifestyle, with special emphasis on the economically poor and the vulnerable.

    Catholic Charities serves and empowers persons in need, advocates for a just society, and calls forth and collaborates with women and men of good will in fulfillment of its mission.