Springfield, Il. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Sitting on a bench for 24 hours may not sound fun to most, but it does for Scott Payne, Executive Director of Inner City Mission here in Springfield. Especially when it comes to having conversations about the homeless community and how Inner City Mission serves to transform the lives of the unhoused.

Inner City Mission is a faith-based non-profit organization in Springfield that serves the homeless population. In addition to personally helping those in need, Inner City Mission is also re-examining homelessness as a whole so that they know how to serve each individual best. And that starts with a conversation.

“We need to expand the way in which we understand homelessness,” says Payne, but he goes on to say that a conversation like that takes time.

Which is why Inner City Mission is hosting Conversations on a Bench, a 24-hour livestream of conversations between current and former residents, staff, and members of the community. Payne says many intend to thank the community for their continued support as a non-profit organization that has effectively transformed the lives of many.

Conversations on a Bench will take place from 2pm Thursday, October 9th, to 2pm Friday, October 10th.

The livestream will be available to watch on the Inner City Mission’s Facebook and YouTube pages.