What can happen when you spend 24 hours on a bench outside in below-freezing temperatures?
Well, for one, you could become miserably cold. Or for two, you could become miserably cold while having in-depth, informative conversations about homelessness with over 70 people.
Ryan Duerk, president and CEO of Miracle Hill, did just that. Duerk intentionally spent 24 hours, from 3 p.m. on Jan. 22 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 23, at a bench talking to neighbors, strangers and friends to raise awareness about homelessness. An additional bench allowed guests to sit and talk with Duerk.
Generating conversation
The idea wasn’t original to him. He said 13 other CEOs of rescue missions participated. Brandon Thomas, director of leadership, education, and program at Citygate Network, launched the idea. But the weather made the challenge all the more difficult.
“The reason we’re continuing to do this on such a cold night is because some of our neighbors don’t [have a] choice of what the weather is outside,” Duerk said. “So we don’t either.”
Thankfully, generous guests brought some heat … both through valuable insight and in practicality (propane heaters, hand warmers, blankets, etc.).
Miracle Hill live-streamed the conversations using Facebook and YouTube Live for viewers to listen in and engage through comments.
Duerk told viewers, “Our hope for the next 24 hours is that you understand the complexities of these issues.” He later commented, “We’re trying to generate a conversation and shine a spotlight on the issue of homelessness.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by the Baptist Courier.
