October 9-10, 2025
Look who joined the conversation about homelessness!
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Commander Fishback
Palm Bay City Council Member Kenny Johnson
Melbourne City Council Member Marcus Smith
Brevard County Judge Clarissa Harrell
Brevard Schools Students in Transition Ivette Collado
Amber Caroll Brevard Homeless Coalition
Lisa Hickman Space Coast Health Foundation
Julie Krueger HealthFirst – Holmes Regional
Chelsee Schnipke Miss Melbourne
Kristen & Courtney – current moms in the New Life Mission program
New Life Mission Program Director Kim San Cartier
Mariah & Ava – Graduates of the New Life Mission program
We’re #bettertogether
We had more than 45 conversations related to homelessness! Thank you to everyone who came out during the rainy 24 hours to engage in the hard conversations related to homelessness in Brevard County.
Save the dates for next year: October 8-9, 2026
Service Providers
Churches
Missed Conversations on a Bench? Catch the highlights below!
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Why it Matters
The purpose of Conversation on a Bench is to create authentic dialogue around the realities of homelessness in our city and county. By bringing together a wide spectrum of voices — from the unhoused to policymakers and other homeless providers — we hope to generate awareness, compassion, and actionable solutions to address the growing crisis.
“I think this event will not only spark major discussions, but lasting solutions,” shares Amy Lyon. “By joining hands with CITA Rescue Mission, we are modeling what partnership looks like and how we can all be stronger together.”
Amy Lyon (CEO of New Life Mission) &
Buddy Morrow (President of CITA Rescue Mission)
