From the afternoon of October 9th through October 10th, Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County (UGM-TC) joined over 65 Citygate Network ministries across North America for Conversations on a Bench, a 24-hour storytelling and outreach livestream initiative centered around homelessness through the power of Christ-centered connection. The goal was to break down stereotypes, humanize stories of struggle and resilience, and highlight the life-transforming work of rescue missions and ministries.
Benches everywhere served as platforms where CEOs heard raw stories and honest questions. Hearts were connected through compassion and the desire to come together as a community. Citygate Network estimates the impact across the network of Conversations on a Bench this year to include more than 1,200 conversations and 584 million in media reach.
In Fort Worth, Charles Wolford, President and CEO of UGM-TC sat on a bench outside the Community Outreach Center on North Kentucky Avenue for 24 hours. Even when being eaten by mosquitos, Wolford welcomed anyone who wanted to sit down and engage in open dialogue about homelessness, addiction, mental health, and more. The 24-hour event was livestreamed on UGM-TC’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel allowing participants from near and far to join in the conversation. During the livestreams alone, UGM-TC’s social media gained over 4,000 views.
More than 60 individuals signed up to sit on the bench with Wolford and walk-ins were welcome. Open dialogue conversations with unsheltered neighbors, Mission guests, staff members, volunteers, city officials, and community partners were organic and unrehearsed marked by empathy and authenticity. Participants shared personal experiences, asked questions, and reflected on what it means to see and serve one another through the lens of God’s love.
Reflecting on the event, Wolford shared, “It was very impressive when guests were vulnerable and transparent in that space. It was refreshing and revealed to me that we all have a story to tell and share —and when given opportunities, it may not be in the context we think but giving a place and space for individuals to share their stories, I think is so important.”
Conversations on a Bench highlighted the mission and ministry of UGM-TC as a place of transformation, grace, and hope. By creating a platform for authentic, faith-driven conversations, the initiative demonstrated that lasting change begins when people slow down, listen, and really see each person. It provided a rare opportunity for entire communities to come together and listen deeply to one another, bridging divides and fostering understanding.
“One story that stands out is about a woman who shared that she used to be an accountant and was looking for work. On the bench we prayed together, and I did an appeal for her on the camera. Days later, I saw her again, and she said, ‘Charles I have an interview today!’ — the very thing we had talked about on that bench,” commented Wolford.
As the livestream concluded on World Homeless Day, the message was clear: transformation begins with connection, hope, and Christ’s love. The benches at UGM-TC became symbols of compassion and unity, reminding communities everywhere that when we take time to listen, serve, and love like Jesus, lives are changed one conversation at a time.
Looking ahead, Wolford affirmed that UGM-TC’s commitment to continuing raw conversations is far from over. “Absolutely, if God says the same – yes, I think there’s definite value for us to participate in Conversations on a Bench again. More conversations as we have them allow more opportunities for fluid conversations and for people to tell their stories. Until next time, I want to invite everyone reading this to continue these important discussions with us! We are launching a podcast called Welcome Home in 2026 and you can email info@ugm-tc.org if you’re interested in becoming a featured guest or if you have a question or topic of interest.”
Through Conversations on a Bench, UGM-TC continues to live out its mission—to serve, to listen, and love like Christ. We invite you to continue the conversation with us! Click here to email us.
Did you miss UGM-TC’s livestreams? You can still watch below.
UGM-TC FB
UGM-TC YouTube Channel
Learn more about Conversations on a Bench.
About Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County
Founded in 1888, Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County is on a mission to provide Hope, Respect and New Beginnings to our unsheltered neighbors through discipleship and the transformational love of Christ.
About Citygate Network
As North America’s largest association of independent, faith-based ministries, Citygate Network represents a unified movement of rescue missions, addiction recovery centers, prison outreach programs, and life transformation initiatives working to address homelessness and its root causes. The network equips ministry leaders and frontline teams with community, resources, advocacy, and best practices—empowering them to respond with excellence and compassion. By connecting shelters, recovery programs, and outreach efforts, the organization fosters shared strategies that guide individuals from crisis to stability and lasting flourishing.
