Open Door Mission CEO Sits on Bench for 24 Hours to Raise Homelessness Awareness in Rochester
Robert Williams, CEO of Open Door Mission, is undertaking a 24-hour vigil on a bench at 80 W. Main St. in downtown Rochester, New York, from Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon. This event, part of the 'Conversations on a Bench' initiative, aims to re-humanize homelessness and challenge public perceptions. Williams, who has dedicated his life to serving the homeless population, seeks to encourage passersby to engage in conversations and see the individual stories behind each person's situation. His personal journey of recovery from a 25-year addiction strengthens his message of hope, compassion, and dignity. The event is being livestreamed, allowing a broader audience to follow the discussions and insights shared.