Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is publishing poems by homeless women who participate in the museum’s shelter program for mothers and children.

New York City first Lady Chirlane McCray helped celebrate the 16th annual publication of poetry by women from Homes for the Homeless on Wednesday.

McCray wrote the forward for the poetry collection, titled “Hope Came Here.” She said each poem represents “a triumph of courage over fear.”

The shelter program is an early childhood art and literacy program that meets weekly at the museum on the Upper West Side.

Fifteen women in temporary housing and their children attend the program.

Participants get a free museum membership so they can return with their children for ongoing programs.