BROOKSVILLE — Andrew Chamberlin plans to sit on a bench downtown for 24 straight hours next month, and he wants company.
The CEO of Jericho Road Ministries will take his seat at 3 p.m. Oct. 8 at The Brooksville Common, 15 S. Broad St., and stay until 3 p.m. Oct. 9, talking with anyone who stops by about homelessness, addiction and recovery.
“The solutions to homelessness begin with understanding,” Chamberlin said. “We can’t solve what we aren’t willing to talk about, and we can’t truly understand unless we’re willing to listen.”
The event is part of Conversations on a Bench, a North American initiative led by Citygate Network, an association of faith-based rescue missions and recovery ministries. What began as a single local event now involves nearly 100 ministries across the continent, according to the network.
Chamberlin, who took part in last year’s event, said he expects to hear from service providers, volunteers, donors, business owners, ministry guests and passers-by.
“We often form opinions about homelessness without ever hearing someone’s story,” he said. “This event is an invitation to slow down, ask questions and have real conversations. Whether you agree with me, disagree with me, or simply want to understand more, there’s a place for you on this bench.”
The 24 hours will be livestreamed, and viewers can watch and submit questions online through the day and night.
Organizers said the conversations will touch on mental health, poverty and the paths that help people reach lasting stability. The aim is not to settle the issue, they said, but to build understanding and challenge misconceptions.
The event will also spotlight Jericho Road’s work in Hernando County and point people toward ways to help, including volunteering, advocacy, prayer and donations.
To watch the livestream, submit a question or learn more, go to jericho-road.net/bench, or follow Jericho Road Ministries on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.