A Legacy of Transformation

This exhibit celebrates The Bowery Mission’s 150-year legacy of service by highlighting stories of lives transformed from homelessness to dignity and flourishing. The Bowery Mission was founded on the Lower East Side after the neighborhood saw a rapid influx of immigrants living in abject poverty. For generations, it has kept its doors open through countless crises such as the Great Depression, the World Wars, the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each silhouette in this exhibit tells the story of someone who, after facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, was transformed through the unconditional love of God and the persistent generosity of others. As homelessness in New York City continues to soar, these stories remind us of the ever-present possibility of redemption and our collective role in serving our neighbors in need.

The Bowery Mission exists to promote the flourishing of New Yorkers overcoming homelessness and marginalization. Since the 1870s, it has been a place of welcome, care and healing for New Yorkers in crisis. At its downtown campuses, The Bowery Mission provides hot meals, clothing, safe overnight shelter and other basic needs and emergency services for New Yorkers experiencing hunger and homelessness. At its uptown campuses, The Bowery Mission provides faith-based Residential Programs for adults in crisis to achieve personal goals for life and work, heal from past trauma, and overcome barriers to independent living.