Homelessness is often measured in numbers. This week, Downtown Rescue Mission is asking North Alabama to listen to the people behind them.

The Huntsville nonprofit will participate in “Conversations on a Bench,” a 24-hour national livestream Oct. 8-9 featuring unscripted conversations about homelessness, addiction and mental health.

Downtown Rescue Mission is one of more than 45 rescue missions and recovery centers participating in the event, which is organized by Citygate Network and comes just ahead of World Homeless Day on Oct. 10.

In Huntsville, conversations will take place at the Mission’s main campus at 1400 Evangel Drive NW. Participants will include community members, pastors and people who have experienced homelessness firsthand.

“Conversations on a Bench is so important because it gives us an opportunity to see the person behind the circumstances,” said Jonathan Walsh, executive vice president of development at Downtown Rescue Mission. “When we take the time to listen to someone’s story, we begin to understand that homelessness is not simply a statistic. It’s a person who needs to be seen, heard and treated with dignity. We hope these conversations will help our community look beyond the labels and see the people who are right here in Huntsville.”

This marks the third year Downtown Rescue Mission has participated in the event. Conversations on a Bench originated at Winchester Rescue Mission before growing into a nationwide effort through Citygate Network, an association representing rescue missions and recovery centers across North America.

The event comes as Downtown Rescue Mission is also preparing for one of its largest annual efforts to help families across the Tennessee Valley.

The Mission plans to distribute more than 1,000 Thanksgiving food boxes this year and is asking for donations now to replenish its pantry ahead of the holiday.

“We’re beginning our Thanksgiving preparations now, and it takes a tremendous amount of food to make sure families in our community have what they need,” Walsh said. “For some of our neighbors, these food boxes may be the difference between having a Thanksgiving meal and going without.”

The Mission is seeking canned green beans, corn and yams, along with powdered gravy, boxed stuffing and instant mashed potatoes. Donations can be dropped off seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Evangel Drive campus.

Downtown Rescue Mission has served North Alabama and surrounding communities since 1975, providing emergency shelter, meals, medical services and life recovery programs.

The national Conversations on a Bench livestream and additional information are available through the event website. Donations and information about Downtown Rescue Mission programs are available through the Mission’s website.

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