On World Homelessness Day, October 9–10, Portland Rescue Mission took to the streets—not to protest or perform, but to listen. For 24 hours straight, Interim CEO Erin Holcomb sat on a simple wooden bench outside the Mission’s Burnside Shelter in Old Town, livestreaming candid, unscripted conversations with neighbors, alumni, ministry partners, donors, and curious passersby.
The bench became more than furniture. It became a space for presence—a place to see and be seen, to speak and be heard, to remind Portland that behind every statistic is a story of courage, resilience, and hope.
“In the midst of Portland’s noise, people who are unsheltered or homeless quickly become faceless numbers and statistics,” said Erin Holcomb. “This was about slowing down, listening deeply, and showing that compassion begins with a conversation.”
Throughout the 24-hour livestream, people stopped by—some to share their stories of recovery and gratitude, others to ask hard questions or share how they are involved with the Mission. Alumni spoke about the transformation they found through PRM’s Transformation Model, while staff and volunteers prayed with those still on the streets.
Local media and community leaders joined in, amplifying what the event symbolized: unity, humility, and faith in action. In a city often divided by complex issues surrounding homelessness, the bench stood as a quiet invitation to engage rather than withdraw—to replace assumptions with empathy.
The Portland event was one of over 70 similar events across North America, all coordinated by Citygate Network—a collective of life-transformation ministries. But in Portland, where visible need meets profound compassion daily, the symbolism of the bench carried unique weight.
For 75 years, Portland Rescue Mission has been serving this community through its Transformation Model—helping people move from Get Help to Stabilize, Recover, and ultimately Give Back. Conversations on a Bench reflected that same journey: raw, relational, and redemptive.
The livestream drew thousands of viewers who watched online, submitted questions and prayer requests, and even came downtown to sit on the bench in person.
But for PRM, this wasn’t a one-day campaign—it was a public declaration of ongoing commitment: to see people, hear their stories, and keep the conversation going long after the cameras stopped.
“Ending homelessness requires all of us—united in compassion and action,” Holcomb shared. “Our hope is that this bench continues to be a symbol of presence, truth, and transformation for our city.”
Re-watch the livestream on YouTube or learn more about how Portland Rescue Mission is helping people move from homelessness to hope at www.PortlandRescueMission.org.