Join us for a powerful and moving livestream event designed to change the narrative around homelessness. “Conversations on a Bench” is more than just an event; it’s a movement to rehumanize people experiencing homelessness in our community by sharing their authentic stories of transformation, resilience, and hope.
We’ll also hear from supporters and volunteers who partner with us every day to make this work possible.
Help Make Every Conversation Count
Right now, a generous donor has offered a $10,000 matching gift challenge. That means your gift can go twice as far toward helping our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Your support helps provide the practical resources, compassionate care and life-changing programs that help people move from homelessness toward stability.
Because those conversations matter.
Thank you for being someone who believes every person deserves the opportunity for a new beginning.
Who’s On the Bench?
Thursday, October 8
- 1:30 p.m. Dr. Robert Marbut, Senior Advisor on Homelessness to the President
- 2:00 p.m. Mark Donovan, Denver Basic Income Project
- 2:30 p.m. Don Burnes, Community Economic Defense Project
- 3:00 p.m. Lorez Meinhold, Caring for Denver Foundation
- 3:30 p.m. Anne-Marie Braga, Denver Human Services
- 4:00 p.m. Denver Nuggets Ambassador Mark Randall and Rocky the Mascot
- 4:30 p.m. Lawrence Lewis, New Life Program Graduate
- 5:00 p.m. Mike Coffman, Aurora Mayor
- 5:30 p.m. Jonathan Holmes, Board of Directors
- 6:00 p.m. Jacob Kutsira, Denver Rescue Mission
- 6:30 p.m. Christina Carlson, Urban Peak
- 7:00 p.m. David and Spencer Abrahams, Volunteers
- 7:30 p.m. Mauri Resseguie, Board of Directors
- 11:30 p.m. Jeremy Hubbard, Fox31
Friday, October 9
- 6:30 a.m. Michelle Barnes, Human Services Expert
- 7:00 a.m. Chad Holzinger, Shopworks Architecture
- 7:30 a.m. Jerred Powell, Denver Rescue Mission
- 8:00 a.m. Jessica Winslow, Covered Colorado
- 8:30 a.m. Steven Kreis, Denver Rescue Mission
- 9:30 a.m. Mara Pandi Abrams, Denver Health
- 10:00 a.m. Avery Rikard, Lovewell Colfax
- 10:30 a.m. Johnna Flood, Elevated Denver
- 11:00 a.m. Jonathan Soweidy, Denver Rescue Mission
- 11:30 a.m. Cole Chandler, Denver Department of Housing Stability
What is it?
On October 8-9, 2026, Denver Rescue Mission will be live from a bench, hosting real conversations with people about homelessness. These aren’t staged interviews—they’re genuine, heartfelt conversations.
Homelessness affects more than 771,000 people in the U.S each night. Events like this help change the narrative, remind us of our shared humanity and encourage the kind of neighborly love Jesus calls us to embody.
The goal is to foster nationwide awareness and inspire change. Our livestream will be part of a larger national event, with over 100 cities and ministries participating simultaneously. We’ll be joined by national segments featuring interviews from across North America, all aimed at highlighting the humanity and dignity of those without a home.
Why a Bench?
A bench is a common symbol—a place for rest, conversation, and community. For many experiencing homelessness, it’s also a place of solitude or even a makeshift bed. By inviting people to share their stories on a bench, we create a space for connection and understanding, bridging the gap between those with and without homes.
