Caritas Latvia was founded by the Latvian Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Churches in 2004. It had been operational since 1990 as a relief organisation within the Catholic Church in Latvia, but it had no official recognition by the Bishops’ Conference. Today, it is part of the international structure of Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Europa.

The mission of Caritas Latvia is to promote the Caritas network in Latvia as well as idea of volunteering, especially among the youth. Caritas Latvia aims to assist socially marginalized people; creates Carita’s groups in Catholic parishes by leading educational seminars for volunteers and those who wish to start this service. Caritas Latvia tries to emphasize the spiritual side of Carita’s service by providing spiritual formation – retreats and pilgrimage for those engaged in the service.

Caritas Latvia programmes also give a special attention to children in orphanages as they provide both materials and the intangibles such as a loving, caring family atmosphere.

Caritas Latvia promotes voluntarism to empower youth and instill confidence that through social service they can make a difference in their communities.

Caritas Latvia main office is in Riga and employs a staff and volunteers that serve 4 Caritas diocesan and public social institutions spread throughout Latvia.

Caritas Latvia is one of the over 160 members of Caritas Internationalis, and also a member of Caritas Europa.