On April 17, 2021, Catholic Charities of Oregon and Zomi Catholic Community Portland (ZCCP) hosted a multi-faith prayer service for the Zomi community. Leaders from the Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, and other Christian denominations joined the Zomi community in Oregon and other refugee communities, as well as Catholic Charities of Oregon, state senators and local…

Deacon Rick Birkel, Ph.D., will lead a year of succession planning and transition management before retiring in June 2022.

During Catholic Charities’ annual Celebration of Hope gala on March 13, 2021, Executive Director Rick Birkel, Ph.D., shared how Catholic Charities of Oregon has stepped up to serve our neighbors across the state of Oregon in more ways than ever as a result of a year filled with multiple disasters. Our vision to create a…

Download the full press release here.

Under the growing strain of months of COVID-19 isolation, millions of Americans, weary and glued to televisions for news of the pandemic, instead came face to face with a terrifying vision that redefined, in minutes, the way we will speak about racism in America forever.

Read Executive Director Deacon Rick Birkel and Board Chair Alma Ouanesisouk Trinidad’s message in the Catholic Sentinel here.

Dear Catholic Charities of Oregon family, As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, Catholic Charities of Oregon remains a steadfast ally for our clients, staff, and volunteers. Since our founding in 1933, our organization has supported those in need through their most trying times to find stability and hope. Even now, we continue to serve our community and…

As Catholic Charities prepares to launch Germaine’s Cafe, Executive Director Rick Birkel asks for the community to rally behind a project that promises to expand professional opportunities for men and women experiencing disabilities. His piece, including an overview of Germaine’s Cafe and what a food service business would look like at Catholic Charities, can be…

In the first installment of his monthly blog, Deacon Rick Birkel discusses the need for a parish-based senior support program.

Hundreds to be served in a new proposal to slash chronic homelessness by 20 percent in Catholic Charities of Oregon, Archdiocese and Providence collaboration.