The first activities of Caritas in Montenegro date back to 1979, following the devastating earthquake that struck the southern part of the country. The next significant phase in the development of Caritas activities took place between 1993 and 1998, when humanitarian aid was distributed to refugees from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and later from Kosovo.
Caritas of the Diocese of Kotor was officially registered as the “NGO Caritas of the Diocese of Kotor” on January 24, 2014, and operates within the framework of Caritas Montenegro.
Since 2011, Caritas Montenegro has become an independent organization, as before that it operated within the Caritas structure in Yugoslavia, and later in Serbia and Montenegro. Until 2003, Caritas activities were mainly focused on emergency humanitarian aid programs for refugees, displaced persons, and the impoverished local population. Over the years, additional services and mechanisms have been developed, and assistance is now provided through various forms of support.
Today, the areas of work of Caritas of the Diocese of Kotor include various programs and initiatives: development of civil society and social economy, promotion of mental health, support for the Roma population, youth work, work with migrants, development of social services for elderly persons and persons with disabilities, promotion and development of volunteerism, emergency assistance for people in need, advocacy and representation, education, and healthcare.
The central office of Caritas of the Diocese of Kotor is located in the Monastery of Saint Nicholas.
The central office of Caritas Montenegro is located in Bar and serves as the central coordination point for the two diocesan Caritas organizations – Caritas of the Archdiocese of Bar and Caritas of the Diocese of Kotor – through which Caritas implements its projects and programs in Montenegro.