CITYGATE NETWORK HOSTS 24-HOUR LIVESTREAM "Conversations on a Bench"

Homeless Ministry CEOs Engage Communities in Honest Dialogue on Homelessness

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Conversations on a Bench, a 24-hour livestream event designed to spark dialogue about homelessness, will take place nationwide on October 9 – 10. Nearly 100 Citygate Network ministries across the United States will host conversations on benches near their facilities, creating space for authentic, unscripted discussions that engage neighbors, civic leaders, pastors, program graduates, and community members.

"Most people don't know where to begin when it comes to addressing the challenges of homelessness," said Tom De Vries, president and CEO of Citygate Network. "This event invites communities to ask questions, share concerns, and talk openly with local ministry leaders serving in the trenches every day. When we talk honestly and listen purposefully, solutions begin to emerge, and hope takes root."

Each ministry will livestream its own event, rain or shine, while Citygate Network provides a national broadcast featuring pre-recorded and live segments from a variety of thought leaders, advocates, and ministry voices. Broadcasts begin at 3:00 p.m. ET on October 9 and continue for 24 hours, offering the public opportunities to listen in, participate, and even submit questions through an online form.

Originally launched in 2017 at a mission in Winchester, Virginia, Conversations on a Bench has grown into a nationwide initiative. Its goal is to break down stereotypes, humanize stories of struggle and resilience, and highlight the life-transforming work of rescue missions and ministries in hundreds of communities.

"Working to solve the issues of homelessness, addiction, and mental health can feel overwhelming," added De Vries. "But conversation is a powerful first step. Asking the tough questions, listening to real stories, and coming together as a community is how change begins."

For a complete list of participating ministries, livestream access, and opportunities to submit questions, visit www.conversationsonabench.org or follow Citygate Network social media channels, including Facebook and YouTube. During the 24-hour broadcast, De Vries will host national segments live from the Fresno Mission, a Citygate Network member in Fresno, California.

About Citygate Network

Citygate Network is North America's largest association of independent, faith-based ministries addressing homelessness and its root causes. Members include rescue missions, addiction recovery centers, prison outreach programs, and other life-transformation ministries. The network equips ministry leaders and frontline teams with resources, advocacy, best practices, and community—empowering them to respond with excellence and compassion as they guide individuals and families from crisis and suffering to stability and lasting flourishing.

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SOURCE Citygate Network