Conversations on a Bench

EVENTs

Presenting Sponsors

My Father's House Foundation of Gresham

Hour of Hope Sponsors

24 HOURS OF STORIES, HOPE, AND AWARENESS |OCTOBER 8th-9th, 2026

Last year, My Father’s House hosted a powerful 24-hour event where stories of resilience and transformation took center stage. Join us again this year October 8th-9th, as Executive Director Andrea Pickett sits on a bench outside the shelter, live streaming one-on-one conversations with community members, local leaders, former program participants, donors, and passersby.

This bench is more than just a seat – it serves as a platform for truth-telling, healing, and hope. Each conversation offers an opportunity to see beyond stereotypes, connect with the humanity behind homelessness, and witness the life-changing impact of compassion and support.

This event will again be part of Conversations on a Bench, a nationwide movement led by Citygate Network, with more than 100 ministry leaders across North America participating simultaneously. Together, we will continue to raise awareness of homelessness, shift perceptions, and invite communities to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Ways People Can Participate:

Watch the livestream on Facebook or YouTube throughout the 24-hour event.
Visit in person at My Father’s House in Gresham to experience the conversations firsthand.
Submit questions or prayer requests online to be included during the event (email info@familyshelter.org).
Give generously to help sustain the year-round programs of My Father’s House, which provide shelter, restoration, and long-term transformation for families experiencing homelessness.

Every story matters – and together, we create a community where hope takes root and lives are restored.

Donate

Guest Schedule

Andrea will be on the bench for 24 hours, talking with guests from all sectors of the community about homelessness.

Thursday, October 8th

11:45am – Citygate Launch & Prayer
12:00pm – Andrea Pickett, Director of My Father’s House
12:45pm – Pastor Jordan Headley, East Hill Church
1:00pm – East Hill Church – Jordan Headley & RISE City Church – Jason Clarke & Kristen Friend
2:00pm – Former Resident, Kita
2:30pm – Jamie Worley, AFEPI
3:15pm – Centennial School District, Denise Wright, Director of Student Services
4:00pm – TBD
4:30pm – Rhys Pasimio, LPC – New Pattern Counseling
5:00pm – Former Resident, Carlie
6:00pm – Former Resident, Danielle
6:30pm – Resident, Kimberly
7:00pm – Doug and Carol Marshall, Hope for the Homeless Foundation
7:30pm – Bess Wills, Gresham Ford
8:30pm – Resident, Samantha
9:00pm – My Father’s House Board Members
9:30pm – Uriah Edmunds, Boccelli’s
10:00pm – Randy Lauer, 3-46 GRIT CrossFit
11:30pm – CEO to CEO Conversation

Friday, October 9th

2:30am – Melinda, Lovelady Center, Alabama
3:00am – Lauren, Winchester Rescue Mission, Virginia
4:30am – Bruce Butler, Union Gospel Mission, Dallas, TX
5:30am – Krestina Aziz
6:00am – Vince Jones-Dixon, Multnomah County Commissioner, Dist 4
6:30am – Resident Dustin
7:00am – Pastors Bob & Sybille Trombi, City Park Church, Gresham
8:00am – Endrea, ER Nurse

Special Features
9:00-10:30am – “Fill a House” – monetary donations collected by Gresham Police & Fire
9:00am-1:00pm – “Drive for My Father’s House” – come down and test drive a new Ford AT My Father’s House! Gresham Ford will give $30 for every car that is test driven AT My Father’s House during these hours.

9:00am – Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg
9:30am – Gresham Fire Chief Jeffrey Hairston
10:00am – Sue Piazza, Bucket List Travel Tours
10:45am – Joshua Al-jaouni, The Underground PDX
11:45am – Citygate Closing & Prayer

Donate

The Video Below is from LAST YEAR
A Link to This Year’s Video Will be Available After the Event

Recent Years

The Proof is in the Numbers

160 Families Sheltered in 2025

Children Cared For In 2025

%

Of Families Found Housing and Graduated from the Program in 2025

lbs of Food Donations Received in 2025

Volunteer Hours Were Donated in 2025

Thank You to OUr

Corporate Sponsors

We would like to thank the many churches, businesses and individuals that support us! We so appreciate you. My Father’s House would not be here if it wasn’t for all the people who care and are willing to make a commitment to breaking the generational cycle of homelessness and poverty!