‘Conversations on a Bench’ brings homelessness, recovery into national spotlight

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Right now, powerful conversations are unfolding across the country about homelessness, addiction and recovery — and Portland is playing a key role.

It’s all part of a 24-hour nationwide livestream called Conversations on a Bench, aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action.

Locally, several Portland-area nonprofits aren’t just talking about change, they’re working to make it happen.

Homelessness remains a complex crisis in Portland and beyond, affecting thousands of individuals and families. 

But for those willing to listen, a simple bench can become a powerful platform for transformation.

“Each individual that is homeless is still a person,” said Andrea Pickett with My Father’s House in Gresham. “They need to know that people care about them and that they aren’t forgotten.”

My Father’s House is one of four local organizations participating in the Conversations on a Bench livestream, alongside Portland Rescue Mission, Union Gospel Mission and CityTeam Portland.

The 24-hour livestream brings forward personal stories from people who have experienced homelessness firsthand.

“We’ve got programs and people creating programs, but we really need to listen to the voices of the people that are out there suffering,” said Lance Orton, executive director of CityTeam Portland.

Orton’s journey — from addiction and homelessness to now leading the very organization that helped him recover — is a testament to what community support can achieve.

“Seven years ago, I was homeless. I was addicted,” Orton said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the organization’s new headquarters in China Town. 

“I walked into the front doors of CityTeam Portland. Today, I stand here as its executive director, cutting the ribbon on a facility that will change lives for generations to come.”

Meanwhile, the city of Portland recently opened its first outdoor day center in Old Town/Chinatown Thursday, providing restrooms, showers and essential support services.

The facility is part of the city’s broader effort to address homelessness and aligns with the mayor’s goal of ending unsheltered homelessness by December.

“We’ve not just opened a day center,” said Brandy Westerman, Portland’s Emergency Humanitarian Operations Director. “We’ve opened doors — doors to safety, dignity, and hope.”

Advocates say addressing homelessness starts with honest conversations and community involvement, exactly what Conversations on a Bench is designed to spark.

“How do we tackle this monster?” Pickett asked. “What are we doing wrong? What needs to be done? How can we educate the public so they can help with this issue?”

The livestream event is hosted by Citygate Network, a faith-based organization that connects ministries across North America to support individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Conversations on a Bench runs through noon Friday.

Follow along here.