Monsignor Edmund J. Murnane, founder of Catholic Community Services of Lane County with Father Joe Black, in 1973.

In January 1952, under the direction of Monsignor Edmund J. Murnane, Catholic Charities of Lane County opened its first office in Eugene to help families and individuals in need. Over the years, our name and programs have changed, but our mission to provide compassionate service that recognizes the dignity of every human being remains the same.

Fifty years ago, the staff managed a foster home program, provided marriage counseling, served unwed mothers and their children, and gave emergency aid to people in crisis. Today, Catholic Community Services distributes food boxes, provides emergency shelter and transitional housing, supports and educates young parents, and distributes energy assistance and other funds to aid people in a variety of difficult situations.

In 1952, Monsignor Murnane organized a branch office of Catholic Charities Portland in Eugene known as "Catholic Charities of Lane County". The agency name was changed when it became an independent "member" organization of Catholic Charities Portland in the 1980s.

In 1988, former Executive Director of Catholic Community Services, Jeanne (Casey) Benson, opened new administrative offices that were housed in the Hacienda housing project in Eugene.The project realized a joint effort of CCSLC and the St. Vincent de Paul Society to provide shelter units for families.