Catholic Charities USA’s People of Hope Museum could be described as more of an experience than a museum.
Housed in a retrofitted tractor-trailer, the museum visited Columbus July 12-13, making its stop outside of Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral between Broad and Gay streets. The city is one of hundreds of destinations set for a two-year tour of the United States.
Catholic Charities plans to visit 169 independent Catholic Charities agencies, including Catholic Social Services (CSS) in Columbus. Approximately 250 people visited the People of Hope Museum on its first day in the city.
The museum offered an immersive experience, including a poverty simulator, learning library and more than 40 professionally-produced video stories. Live music, a food truck and activities were provided outside of the trailer.
Catholic Charities’ goal is for people to discover the transformative power of Christian service.
CSS reaches more than 11,000 people across 17 locations in central and southern Ohio. The organization serves individuals and families in need, including seniors, the impoverished and disabled.
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A common saying at CSS is “we never do this work alone,” said Julie Naporano, CSS’ vice president of development and communications.
“If everybody gets involved, and we truly are neighbors serving neighbors, that’s how we impact a community; that’s how people get transformed and that’s how lives are changed.”
“The way that we can really make the impact in the diocese that we’re looking to make is if a lot of people are coming together and joining us in the work,” added Nick Borchers, chief operating officer at CSS.
People of Hope invites individuals to step into the shoes of someone experiencing poverty and learn where help is needed.
The museum includes a screen of demographics in Ohio. It features statistics on food insecurity, homelessness and crises faced by demographics served at CSS, such as seniors, veterans and families with special needs.
The poverty simulator showcases types of poverty.
Some face generational poverty – born into an impoverished family – others are thrust into poverty by losing a spouse, job or unforeseen medical expenses.
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The museum’s visitors can experience various scenarios through the simulators. They are prompted to choose the best option in a given situation.
“I’ve noticed them really getting into the simulations and understanding what’s happening—understanding at a deeper level the people that we work with every day here in Columbus,” Borchers said.
People of Hope’s virtual library includes several books on poverty. Readers can explore topics including fragile neighborhoods in the United States and why poverty continues to present day.
The museum also features testimonies of hope. Social workers across the country shared stories of clients impacted by Catholic Charities agencies.
“If you volunteer or you give your treasure, there is an impact,” Naporano affirmed. “It does make a difference in the life of someone.”
To get involved, visit https://colscss.org/volunteer/ or call 614-857-1232.
