Caritas is a large charity providing broad social support in several areas of need such as shelter and food, housing, immigration and family support, usually in close collaboration with the local town hall Social Services departments. Most support is local, while other support may draw on projects run over a wider area. In addition, pastoral support work is carried out through parishes.

While it is the main charity in Spain belonging to the Roman Catholic church, receiving support is not based on faith and is open to anyone, irrespective of your views on religion and the work uses trained volunteers and professionals.

In order to contact Cáritas or ask about the possibility of support you can: Contact the local Roman Catholic parish church nearest where you live; contact one of the Cáritas district centres (including Oliva, Cocentaina and Xàtiva) details of which are on the weblinks provided; or contact your local town hall Social Services department.

Cáritas can help anyone in an emergency, the door is always open, however for longer term use of its services you will often be asked to attend an assessment by your local town hall social services department.