People Of Hope: Catholic Charities of Philadelphia Brings National Community Service Storytelling Initiative to Philadelphia
Catholic Charities hosts traveling museum to highlight impact of neighbors helping neighbors.
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP) is joining Catholic Charities agencies across the United States to host People of Hope: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a nationwide storytelling museum designed to amplify the profound impact of Christian service. CCoP will host the People of Hope Museum from Thursday, June 25 to Friday, June 26. The museum will be located at 200 North 18th Street in Philadelphia between Race Street and Vine Street beside the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and will be free and open to the public between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
The People of Hope Museum is an initiative of Catholic Charities USA, the national membership organization for 168 independent Catholic Charities agencies around the country. Collectively, last year, the Catholic Charities network of agencies served more than 16 million people regardless of faith, addressing needs ranging from food insecurity and housing to disaster assistance, health care and family support.
Housed in a retrofitted tractor-trailer, the People of Hope Museum is an immersive experience that brings to life more than 40 professionally produced video stories featuring staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities agencies across the country sharing their meaningful, memorable encounters with families and individuals in need. Featured in the People of Hope Museum is Mr. Peter Greenland, Program Supervisor for CCoP’s the Good Shepherd Program at Saint John’s Hospice, a shelter helping men transition from homelessness to independent living. Before leading the ministry’s residential services for medically fragile men, Mr. Greenland was a resident at Saint John’s Hospice while experiencing homelessness after migrating to the United States from Jamaica.
The museum also includes a recording studio where visitors can share their own stories of hope and service. In addition, visitors can experience an interactive poverty simulator, gain a greater understanding of poverty in Pennsylvania and across the United States and listen to recordings of book excerpts about poverty, social isolation, bridgebuilding and community action.
“We are pleased to welcome the People of Hope Museum to Philadelphia and to share the powerful stories of how Catholic Charities agencies across the country—including right here in Philadelphia—empower and uplift the communities they serve,” Heather Huot, Secretary and Executive Vice President for CCoP. “As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s birthday, we invite our neighbors and visitors alike to experience the spirit of faith, service, and accompaniment that defines Catholic Charities and reflects the very best of our city.”
For 225 years, CCoP has supported individuals and families in the greater Philadelphia region, offering guidance, resources, and compassionate care during difficult times.
CCoP is guided by the Catholic faith to empower and uplift Philadelphia area neighbors with compassionate care and essential services. CCoP nourishes the hungry and provides shelter for those experiencing homelessness; strengthens and supports at-risk children, youth, and families; stabilizes and enriches the lives of seniors; and empowers Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
This spirit of accompaniment is reflected in the work of Catholic Charities agencies nationwide, which include 168 independent agencies and 3,900 service locations across the United States and five territories. Though the services offered by each local agency differ, Catholic Charities agencies are united by a shared commitment to honor the dignity of every person and answer the Gospel call to come to the aid of those most in need.
The People of Hope Museum launched its tour of the United States in March and will travel the U.S. for two-and-a-half years. The initiative is made possible thanks to a 2024 grant of nearly $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through an invitational round of its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life.
To learn more about the People of Hope Museum, visit www.peopleofhope.us. To explore volunteer opportunities or learn more about CCoP programs, visit ccphila.org.
###
Editor’s Note: For more information on Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, please visit ccphila.org.