53 feet of hope sits outside the Everhart Museum at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, telling the story of people from across the country.
“This trailer behind you is a traveling road show, if you will, going around the country to Catholic Charities agencies. It’s telling the story of what we do, the communities we help, and the stories we hear,” said Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton CEO Joe Mahoney.
Put on by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton in partnership with Catholic Charities USA, the national People of Hope Museum offers visitors several exhibits that focus on poverty, compassion, and community service.
“This growing need is what we’re seeing. We want folks to come down and connect, whether you need a hand up or you are the hand up,” said Mahoney.
“Yeah, it started this past March, and this is the 19th stop. So far, it’s mostly been in the Northeast region of the country,” said Catholic Charities USA member Abby Qualliotine.
Amy Kuiken and her children came up from Dallas to experience the interactive features of the museum.
“To do a poverty simulator for an elderly person with my kids. My middle schoolers are here with me today, and I think that was eye-opening because of the details,” said Kuiken.
Kuiken says one of the biggest messages came from the stories told by people from across the U.S.
“One of the things that really stood out to me was a story of hope on the opposite wall,” said Kuiken. “A man was talking, and he said, ‘There is no us and them; there’s only us,’ and I really want my children to know that.”
After leaving Scranton, the People of Hope Museum will continue traveling along the East Coast.
Organizers say this is just the start of a national tour that is set to last three years.