About Catholic Worker on Wheels
Our History
In 1984, Charlie Belden and Paul Wittjung began the CWOW in a breakfast truck donated by Dick Keough and Harry Murray. Until 1993, they served hot breakfasts to the residents of the Oxford Street Inn. Harry and the Polhamuses were the first volunteers, followed by countless others.
On May 3, 1986, Paul and volunteer, Carole Hayes, were married. Together, they offered hospitality in the Catholic Worker tradition in their home, and had guests stay for a few days up to two years.
For over a year, every Sunday, they also served full course breakfasts in their home to 4 inner-city families, menu included, complete with a set table, morning paper, and flowers!
10 years and 2 trucks later, the CWOW ended after serving 100 breakfasts every Sunday and holiday morning to residents of the Ox, (and a few neighbors).
Later, for about the next 3 years, the CWOW was revived in their home. A sunroom was built on the back deck with booths, and a full course breakfast buffet was served every Sunday in their home to 2 families and a few individuals driven there by Paul’s friend, Milt. A second shift, mostly children from the neighborhood, would come in later, and a few other guests. This time around, it was known as the House of Wittjung Catholic Worker.
They then began delivering 18 full breakfasts a day, 5 days a week, to the tent city. They also resurrected their old name, Catholic Worker on Wheels. When those camps were gone, on Saturday mornings they began to serve families with children near St. Lucy’s. On a typical Saturday there would be 7 to 12 deliveries, serving 20 or 30 more breakfasts from the kitchen at St. Lucy’s with a faithful group of volunteers.
Then Covid struck and the program has again reinvented itself. CWOW serves breakfast to 16 households every Saturday. Again, a faithful group of volunteers deliver these and offer a touch point to folks who struggle to make ends meet.

Our Work by the Numbers
In 2023 we prepared and delivered a total of 870 breakfast boxes. This included a total of 2,052 breakfast sandwiches. This support is greatly needed and very much appreciated by the families we serve.
With a minimal commitment you can help us to alleviate poverty in the city of Syracuse. Our volunteers give a few hours of their time on Saturday morning to prepare and deliver breakfast boxes.