Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal Helps Catholic Charities Help the Community

Started in 1965 by Archbishop Philip Hannan in the wake of Hurricane Betsy to bring relief and comfort to those suffering in the aftermath of the storm, the Archbishop’s Community Appeal helped residents of the Archdiocese of New Orleans rebuild their lives then, and it is still fulfilling that mission today. 

The Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal (AHCA), as it was renamed in 2012, is the annual giving campaign of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans beginning in September and ending in February each year. This year’s volunteer-driven fundraiser is led by Archbishop Gregory Aymond and chairs Kevin and Nancy Colomb.

“I believe the most significant contribution of the campaign is that six decades strong, the AHCA continues to be a beacon of hope, helping transform lives across our archdiocese,” said Cynthia Hayes, Catholic Charities president and CEO. “I am proud that support for the campaign remains resolute. It is clear to me as we look towards our next century of service, the AHCA will continue to help our agency craft a legacy that will impact generations to come.”

According to Catholic Charities, gifts to the AHCA raise crucial undesignated funds that allow the organization to respond swiftly, effectively and compassionately in times of crisis or disaster. The organization serves the eight parishes comprising the Archdiocese of New Orleans and they are one of only 21 accredited non-profit groups in the state.

“AHCA is our main unrestricted fundraiser for the year, with all the money raised going directly back into Catholic Charity programs,” Katie Truxillo, Catholic Charities assistant director of institutional advancement, said. “It’s spread out among all programs mostly to the areas that need unrestricted funds at the time of the appeal.”

“Our mission is to help our neighbors meet their needs and face their challenges,” said James Shields, Catholic Charities communications manager. “Our Catholic identity, based on the love and teachings of Jesus, is the guiding principle we use when serving our community.”

Truxillo said that every donation helps and is appreciated by the organization and a donation to Catholic Charities means supporting a local charity that best understands local needs. She is optimistic this year's campaign goal of $2 million will be achieved as it has in previous years.

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans currently encompasses 23 different programs and one affiliated ministry that cover housing and homelessness, immigration and refugee services, children and family services, health and behavioral health services, justice and employment services, senior services and disaster response services.

“As the Archbishop often says, our programs serve people from the womb to the tomb. Basically, we help everybody from students in the HeadStart program to pregnant mothers needing guidance and assistance, to project SAVE helping people in abusive relationships find their way to senior citizens programs in PACE,” said Shields. “We have all-encompassing programs that reach all generations and age groups in the archdiocese. We depend on the AHCA for funding these programs.”

He added, “Catholic Charities is always called on in times of difficulty and we and have served the New Orleans area since 1727. As needs in the community arise, we offer a swift and effective response. We have a proven track record of assisting our community during troubled times.”

Get involved

How can you help CCANO and their affiliated programs? Visit the following sites:

https://www.ccano.org/ways-to-give/ or https://www.ccano.org/volunteer-opportunities/

or if you need the services of CCANO visit https://www.ccano.org/request-services/