Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 on the campus of Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, as the National Conference of Catholic Charities. The National Conference was created to promote the creation of diocesan Catholic Charities bureaus, to encourage professional social work practice, “to bring a sense of solidarity” among those in charitable ministries, and to be the “attorney for the poor." Catholic Charities USA is the national office for over 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide. Catholic Charities USA provides strong leadership and support to enhance the work of local agencies in their efforts to reduce poverty, support families, and empower communities. Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 8.5 million people of all faiths each year.