GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through our integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, we empower individuals, families and children to achieve stability and thrive.
GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice.
GLIDE's holiday programs represent more than charitable giving—they are celebrations of dignity, hope, and unconditional love that have evolved over 60 years of community service. Signature events like the Annual Thanksgiving Celebration and Christmas Eve Prime Rib Luncheon have become San Francisco traditions with some partnerships spanning over three decades. These gatherings unite GLIDE's entire "Beloved Community," welcoming clients, congregants, volunteers, staff, board members, donors, and more in shared celebration and service.
April 26-30, 2026 - The Alabama Justice Pilgrimage is an immersive, experiential learning program of GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice (CSJ) that seeks to tell the truth about American history, highlight inequities in health, economic, and criminal justice outcomes. This multi-day transformational journey is central to GLIDE’s work to heal the wounds of enduring racism and economic inequality in San Francisco, the Bay Area, and beyond.
There is no single right path for recovery from substance use. Rather, recovery exists along a spectrum — from safer use and harm reduction all the way to full abstinence. At GLIDE, we embrace that full continuum, with a goal of reducing harm, saving lives, and supporting people in building healthier futures on their own terms. As GLIDE President and CEO Dr. Gina Fromer puts it, “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery.”
Contingency management might sound like complex bureaucratic jargon. But the core tenant of the program is simple: reward people for making healthier choices. “Looking to
“Valkyries staff and season-ticket holders kicked off their “Holiday Assist” program by volunteering at GLIDE’s Tuesday breakfast service during our incredibly busy Thanksgiving week. After the breakfast rush, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and staff helped us prepare for the holiday by pre-slicing pumpkin pies.”
“Priya David Clemens, the journalist hosting Holiday Jam, opened with a story of covering GLIDE’s Thanksgiving back when she was a “baby reporter.” After she raced around doing the interviews, one of GLIDE’s Meal staff offered her a free meal. “I was hungry and cold,” said Priya, “and on a reporter’s salary you never turn down a free meal!”
“The Sunday preceding Veteran’s Day, Glide Memorial Church held a special Celebration for veterans, and many local leaders turned out to honor them. “No one who defended our country should ever have to fight for a roof over their head! Caring for veterans is the responsibility of everyone,” Mayor Daniel Lurie proclaimed from the pulpit. Veteran homelessness in San Francisco has been decreasing recently– but there were still 587 homeless veterans in San Francisco as of the latest count.”
Across the nation, families who fear their SNAP benefits will disappear on November 1st are scrambling to meet the most basic need of all – hunger. In GLIDE’s zip code alone, 16,663 people will be affected by these changes. This potential SNAP shutdown tears at the very fabric of strong, compassionate communities — and we cannot, will not, let it happen.
Meals served Every Year
People Received Hygiene Kits, Socks, and Blankets Last Year
People Volunteered Last Year
