What is Caritas
On the ground around the world
Daw Hla Hla and her son in temporary shelter following the Myanmar earthquake. Photo: Benny Manser for Caritas.
Caritas Australia is part of one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, the Caritas Confederation.
For over 60 years, we have stood alongside marginalised communities around the world to confront the challenges of poverty. Our global network of partners and local organisations means we are able to reach those most in need, responding quickly in times of crisis and working long-term to help communities build sustainable futures.
Our approach is locally-led, placing those who are most affected at the centre of decision making and program implementation, enabling communities to thrive and reach their full potential.
As the international aid and development agency of the Catholic Church, we have access to a robust network of churches and community groups around the world, groups that are already deeply familiar with on-the-ground circumstances and community issues. We support all people, regardless of religion, race or political differences.
Guided by dignity, hope and compassion, we accompany people to drive their own development, drawing on local strengths and resources. Through collaboration with parishes, schools and communities across Australia, we continue to advocate for a more just and equitable world—working together for dignity and a thriving future for all.
What we do
A Caritas worker walks through the destruction in Gaza. Photo: Caritas Jerusalem
Humanitarian Aid
Caritas is a world leader in emergency responses. We coordinate with the international Caritas network and our partners on the ground to bring emergency relief in the form of food, clean water, emergency shelter, hygiene kits and cash assistance. We share our resources and technical expertise to help communities receive long-term support to recover and rebuild stronger.
Janice is a traditional dancer who tells stories through movements handed down over generations. Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia
First Australian Partners
We support programs in Australia that are designed and led by First Australians. We believe in subsidiarity: that the people best placed to make decisions are those who will be most affected by them. We walk alongside First Australian communities to strengthen their cultural identity, support intergenerational healing and keep culture alive for future generations.
Monoranjon and Anita live in a coastal region in Bangladesh that is affected by climate change. Photo: Caritas Australia
International Development
From walking alongside First Nations communities in Australia to improving access to food and water in Zimbabwe, we work with communities around the world to create sustainable change. Our development programs cover communities through the Pacific, Asia and Africa.
Responding
to emergencies such as the Beirut explosions, or typhoons and flooding in South East Asia
Implementing
Disaster Risk Reduction strategies, particularly in the Pacific Islands, where local communities are experiencing rising sea levels due to climate change.
Helping
Rural communities with sustainable agricultural practices, such as the Farmer Field School in Nepal
Building
water catchments, so communities have access to fresh, clean water and are able to grow crops.
Providing
access to education and workshops, so vulnerable people can learn new skills.
Training
Rural midwives in quality antenatal, delivery and postnatal care for women.
Alleviating
Poverty in Indigenous Australia through projects such as Djilpin Arts, which generates an income and provides sustainable development opportunities for women and young people in rural communities.
Advocating
For fair policies in Australia where these policies directly impact our partner communities, including on climate change, restoring the overseas aid budget and justice for First Australians.
The way we work
By partnering with local communities we support them to build better lives for themselves - improving access to sustainable livelihoods, clean water, sanitation and education.
We have learnt from our work over the years that for those living in poverty, locally-led development programs can create lasting change in communities. That’s why we work with communities at the grassroots to eliminate poverty, by focusing on local strengths to promote positive change.
Our Principles
Our Approach
What causes poverty?
