More and more refugees from around the world are arriving in Dallas — people fleeing from countries affected by war and conflict. Across our city and throughout Texas, there are many organizations and foundations that provide migrants and refugees with temporary housing, job assistance, and access to medical care. One of the most prominent and influential of these is Catholic Charities of Dallas — a leading nonprofit in North Texas that began its work in the mid-20th century. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the history and development of Catholic Charities of Dallas. Learn more on dallas-yes.com.
The History of the Organization
The story of Catholic Charities of Dallas dates back to 1941, when a local branch of the national Catholic Charities USA organization (founded in 1910) was officially established.
The first leaders were members of the Catholic community of North Texas, working under the patronage of the local bishop. In its early years, the organization was managed by a director appointed by the bishop, and oversight was carried out by a church board.
Initially, the organization was founded to address the growing social needs in Dallas. By 1997, it became an independent nonprofit organization, separate from the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, while maintaining its religious mission — to serve anyone in need, regardless of age, background, or faith.
From the very beginning, Catholic Charities of Dallas has been dedicated to helping the poor, the homeless, refugees, and vulnerable families.
Growth and Development
Over the decades, Catholic Charities of Dallas has significantly expanded its scope of work as community needs evolved. In its early years, the organization primarily focused on supporting low-income families, orphans, and migrants.
During the 1960s and 1970s, it launched new initiatives to assist the homeless, provide elderly care, and offer basic healthcare services.
By the late 20th century, the organization had introduced employment programs, English language courses, and psychological support services for victims of violence.
In the 2000s, Catholic Charities of Dallas began offering comprehensive assistance to refugees — including career counseling, legal aid, healthcare access, and family support. Special attention was given to helping refugee children adapt to local schools and fostering cultural programs that preserve identity while encouraging integration.
Today, the organization serves more than 3,000 refugees and migrants each year. Between 2022 and 2025, nearly 10,000 people of different ages and backgrounds have received assistance from Catholic Charities of Dallas.
The organization provides a wide range of services to refugees, including:
- Temporary Housing: Refugees and victims of violence can apply for short-term housing, with priority given to families with children and women.
- Legal Assistance: Staff and volunteers help with documentation, work permits, and protection from deportation.
- Employment and Education: The organization offers English language classes, career readiness training, résumé workshops, and job search assistance.
- Medical and Humanitarian Aid: Refugees receive basic medical care, vaccinations, psychological support, and food assistance.
- Rapid Integration Programs: Counselors guide refugees through the adaptation process, including helping children adjust to school life.
Through decades of service, Catholic Charities of Dallas has become a cornerstone of compassion and community support in North Texas — a place where those in need can find hope, stability, and a chance to rebuild their lives.
We hope this story has been informative and helped you learn more about one of Dallas’s most impactful organizations.