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Conversations on a Bench 2026

Date & Time:
October 8, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - October 9, 2026 @ 12:00 pm
City Center
2025 E Dakota Avenue
Fresno, CA 93726 United States

Thursday, October 8 at 12:00 PM through Friday, October 9 at 12:00 PM
City Center, 2025 E. Dakota Ave., Fresno, CA 93726

For 24 hours straight, Fresno Mission is sitting on a bench and having honest conversations about homelessness, addiction, mental health, faith and hope. CEO Matt Dildine will be on the bench with community leaders, local influencers, guests and people with lived experience. These are real stories from right here in Fresno.

Part of Something Bigger

Conversations on a Bench is a national event led by Citygate Network. Christ-centered ministries across North America go live at the same time, with thousands of conversations streaming to viewers across the continent. The goal is to replace stereotypes with real stories of transformation and show the hope taking root in our communities.

“What impacted me the most about sitting on the bench for 24 hours is that I was able to give a voice to the voiceless.”
Matt Dildine, President & CEO, Fresno Mission

Schedule

Thursday, Oct 8, 12:00 PM Conversations on a Bench begins live
All night Conversations continue through the night
Friday, Oct 9, 11:00 AM National Prayer with rescue missions across the country
Friday, Oct 9, 12:00 PM FREE brisket BBQ for the community

Moments from the Bench

How to Be Part of It

  • Come by. Stop by City Center anytime during the 24 hours and join the conversation.
  • Watch live. Follow the livestream at conversationsonabench.org.
  • Ask a question. Send in your questions about homelessness, addiction or mental health on the national site.
  • Pray. Pray for the people sitting on the bench, our guests and our staff.
  • Give. Text CONVO to 50155 to donate and support the work happening every day at Fresno Mission.
  • Share. Post about the event and help spread the word.

Learn more at conversationsonabench.org

You'll be helping shelter & provide food to youth, families & individuals in crisis.