In a unique approach to raising awareness about poverty, the People of Hope Museum is making waves across the eastern United States. This traveling exhibit, orchestrated by Catholic Charities USA, recently stopped outside the Everhart Museum in Scranton, offering visitors an intimate look at the challenges faced by those in need.
For Miki Shergalis of Mountain Top, the exhibit was a poignant reminder of her father’s work with Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton. “I could see people that my father had talked about when he would come home from work,” she reflected. “And it was just very moving.”
The Traveling Exhibit
Housed in a 53-foot trailer, the People of Hope Museum began its journey in March, aiming to make 21 stops along the way. The exhibit highlights the invaluable work performed by Catholic charities nationwide, including services similar to those provided by Catholic Social Services.
Addressing Local Poverty
Joe Mahoney, CEO of Catholic Social Services, emphasized that poverty is not confined to urban areas. He expressed a desire for visitors to recognize the local challenges and consider how they might contribute. “We fight poverty right here every day, we have services, so I’d like them to say ‘oh, you know, I’ve got time, got some resources, maybe I’ll help Catholic Social Services out’ or ‘I have a need,’” he said. “Catholic Social Services, we want to help.”
Mahoney highlighted the rising demand for food pantry and kitchen services, attributing this to the increasing costs of essentials like food, gas, and rent. “That scares me a little bit,” he admitted.
The museum also features an audio booth for sharing personal stories, emphasizing its interactive approach. “They didn’t just come up to Scranton and say ‘look what we’re doing around the country’, they came up to Scranton to say ‘what are you doing there, tell us your story’,” Mahoney added.
Interactive Experiences
An integral part of the exhibit is its poverty simulators, displayed on large vertical screens. These simulations challenge visitors to make difficult financial decisions, such as those faced by an elderly widow on a limited income. Scranton Bishop Joseph Bambera commented on the impact, saying, “It’s just really eye-opening to experience what people go through.”
Bambera hopes the exhibit inspires visitors to acknowledge local needs and the positive impact of organizations like Catholic Social Services. He encourages people to realize, “That they can make a difference in somebody’s life.”
The final exhibit, a reflection wall, invites visitors to share how they plan to address community needs. These reflections are then shared at the museum’s subsequent stops.
