COMING SOON!
People of Hope: A National Storytelling Experience Coming in 2026
Celebrating the power of compassion, service, and faith — on tour across the United States, including Chemung County and Rochester.
Catholic Charities USA is preparing to launch an inspiring new initiative that shines a light on the real, human stories behind everyday acts of service. In the spring of 2026, the organization will introduce People of Hope, a nationwide, mobile storytelling exhibit designed to uplift the voices of those who live out their faith by helping others.
Built with support from a major 2024 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., this innovative project will bring an immersive, multimedia experience to communities across the country for more than two years. As part of its national tour, People of Hope will make special stops in Elmira and Rochester, giving our region the opportunity to participate in a one-of-a-kind journey of empathy and connection.
A Traveling Exhibit Rooted in Real Stories
At the heart of People of Hope is a retrofitted tractor‑trailer transformed into a warm, inviting exhibit space. Inside, visitors will encounter:
- Professionally recorded stories from Catholic Charities volunteers and staff — moments that reveal the beauty and vulnerability of serving others.
- Immersive audio and visual elements that bring these testimonies to life.
- Opportunities to share your own experience by recording a story of service, hope, or transformation.
Each story highlights how encounters with people in need can profoundly shape both the giver and the receiver. Whether it’s helping a family find stability, comforting someone facing a crisis, or offering a simple act of kindness, these moments reflect the heart of Christian service.
Why This Exhibit Matters
Earlier research conducted for Catholic Charities USA revealed something powerful:
Only a small percentage of people volunteer regularly, yet a large majority say they’re open to the idea. Many are motivated by compassion, a desire to help, or the hope of feeling more connected to their community. People of Hope aims to bridge that gap.
By showcasing real-life encounters from across the country, the exhibit encourages all visitors — whether new to service or longtime volunteers — to see how meaningful, fulfilling, and transformative volunteering can be. Many volunteers express that their greatest reward is not what they give, but what they receive through the relationships they build.
A National Effort to Inspire Service
Catholic Charities agencies nationwide work with millions of individuals and families each year, supported by hundreds of thousands of volunteers. People of Hope highlights this vast network of compassion and invites even more people to join in acts of service that uplift communities and restore dignity.
As the exhibit travels the country, it will be supported by a national awareness campaign that extends its reach beyond the mobile experience, inviting the public to rediscover the joy of helping others.
Coming Soon to Chemung County and Rochester
We are thrilled that People of Hope will be making its way to Chemung County and Rochester during its multi‑year tour. The Tour will be in Chemung County on May 4th, and in Rochester on May 7th. Locations will be announced closer to the launch—but our community can look forward to:
- A meaningful, family‑friendly experience
- Opportunities to reflect, listen, and learn
- A chance to record your own story and contribute to a growing national tapestry of hope
This will be a memorable event for our area, and we can’t wait to welcome it.
For more information on the People of Hope Museum, please visit the CCUSA page.