Catholic Charities hosts traveling museum to highlight the impact of neighbors helping neighbors
Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana 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. Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana will host the People of Hope Museum Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20. The museum will be located at the Lake Charles Event Center parking lot (Gill Street area) and will be free of charge and open to the public between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 19 and between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20.
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.
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 Louisiana and across the United States and listen to recordings of book excerpts about poverty, social isolation, bridgebuilding and community action.
“I hope people from throughout Southwest Louisiana will come and enjoy the People of Hope Museum,” said Sister Marie Josepha Kluczny, RSM, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana. “I think all of us could recall a moment in our own lives when a few words of encouragement, a hug, or a resource– just when we needed it– gave us courage and hope. The stories and interactive exhibits remind us that each of us has this ability to make a difference in the life of another. Acts of love are always powerful, even when they seem small. Residents of Southwest Louisiana have a lot of lived experience helping one another through times of suffering; we hope the museum inspires our community to continue building upon this culture of compassion and service.”
Because some of the content addresses sensitive themes of poverty and stories of past trauma, the museum experience is intended for people 14 years of age or older.
For many years, Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana has supported individuals and families in need throughout Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis Parishes offering guidance, resources and compassionate care during difficult times.
In 2025-2026, Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana dispersed over 749,016 pounds of food throughout the region, assisting 3,050 households facing food insecurity. Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana also ministered to over 450 unsheltered individuals and families struggling with homelessness.
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 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 to learn more about Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana programs and its impact in the region, visit www.catholiccharitiesswla.org, or call (337) 439-7436.
