Photo Exhibit Aims To Raise Awareness Of Hunger In Philadelphia Region
By Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Politicians, business leaders and food pantry providers gathered inside the SHARE food program warehouse in North Philadelphia, to see a photo exhibit called Witnesses Against Hunger on Thursday night.
They listened to the stories of the exhibit's subjects: the people of Philadelphia who have experienced hunger first hand.
"I couldn't find a job in my field, so I was in a welfare to work program, and then I was just like, I need a job. I was depressed, I had anxiety and I needed help for me and my kids," said Shearine McGhee, who has three children and has struggled in the past.
"I don't want your handouts, I just need help getting to where I need to be at."
Sister Mary Scullion is the Executive Director for Project HOME, a local non-profit group aimed at ending poverty.
Scullion says the purpose of the exhibit and discussion is to call for action, and, "Use the historic occasion of Pope Francis visit to our country to generate and leverage the political will to really address the very serious issue of poverty that affect more and more people in our country," said Scullion.
"We really hope Pope Francis brings that message that poverty is the cry today, and that we have to get involved," she said.
While McGhee depended on food programs, she says the experience has inspired her.
"I want to end world hungry myself, I want to become a chef and I want to help at food pantries."
