Catholic Charities

In the decades following, Catholic Charities of Yakima continued to evolve and develop sites, services and programs to respond to emerging needs across central Washington. In 1998, Catholic Charities formed a separate 501 (3) (c) housing agency that today provides affordable Farmworker and Workforce housing, migrant housing, senior housing and single family housing in 13 communities across central Washington. To date, almost $120,000,000 of new construction and development has led to the creation of over 600 units of affordable housing, including two single family subdivisions for first-time homeowners. In 2009, Catholic Charities also formally accepted the network of St. Vincent Centers under its administrative and governing structure. The addition of three thrift stores, a food bank and an emergency services program increased the agency's capacity to respond to its mission of service. Today, Catholic Family & Child Service, the agency that began in 1949 with a small handful of people, is a large and effective organization serving almost 50,000 people annually: mostly children; mostly poor. With 10 Catholic Family & Child Service locations across central Washington, the agency continues to provide services and response to emergent needs. In 2011, Catholic Charities continues to be a formidable presence in the largely rural Diocese of Yakima.