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.
Historic Meal Demand During SNAP Shutdown.
During the first week of November, our Meals Team saw higher demand than ever before in GLIDE history: on one day, 1,052 people came to a single lunch. Accessing San Francisco’s SNAP replacement is a challenge for many— especially those without home addresses or internet access. We are rising to the challenge: serving extra meals and educating clients on benefit access, but we need your support to keep up the pace.
If you give today, you can ensure every hungry person is fed in the weeks to come. It is thanks to community members like you that we are able to pull through these hard times– together.
Holiday Jam – 40th Anniversary
Rhythm of the Night
Holiday Jam last Thursday had everything you hope for in a night built on love, music, and community. The photo album highlights it all. El DeBarge had the room singing every classic. Dominique Hammons gave a violin performance people are still talking about. Miles Turk and The Change Band kept everyone on their feet. The Glide Ensemble filled the space with soul. California State Senator Scott Wiener joined us for the evening and spent time connecting with our community. Joan Baez was honored with the Inaugural Lizzie Glide Spirit Award, a powerful moment for GLIDE.
Take a look at the album and the sizzle reel of the night.
We are excited to offer a rare chance to own a true piece of music history—a custom drum kit built exclusively for Tim “Herb” Alexander, the rhythmic force behind Primus. Crafted to his exact specs, it features dual custom bass drums with A Tribute to Kings artwork, precision hardware, and the huge, resonant tone that defines his sound. Alexander used this kit throughout the North American A Tribute to Kings tour.
Offered in partnership with GLIDE, all proceeds support essential services and programs for San Francisco’s most vulnerable communities.
The money we raised at Holiday Jam fuels our work all year long. When you show up and show out, it’s a true victory for love. It is proof that where division lets people down, GLIDE’s Community lifts them up. If the night moved you and you’re inspired to deepen your support, you can make a contribution here. Every gift helps keep this spirit alive throughout the year.
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.
“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.
“This fall, GLIDE showed up and showed out to get “It” done. “It” being the call to interrupt systems that hold people down, divide people, and stand in the way of true liberation. We sang, we danced and we marched to the tune of justice as the days grew shorter and the leaves turned colors.”
At GLIDE, we define a pilgrimage as “a journey of personal spiritual discovery that forever changes you.” We experienced that transformation firsthand during our recent Alabama Justice Pilgrimage with members of the California Congressional Black Caucus and Smart Justice—an experience that will reverberate through the halls of power across California. On April 26th-30th, 2026, we’re opening up our pilgrimage to the public for the first time ever.
At GLIDE, we define a pilgrimage as “a journey of personal spiritual discovery that forever changes you.” We experienced that transformation firsthand during our recent Alabama Justice Pilgrimage with members of the California Congressional Black Caucus and Smart Justice—an experience that will reverberate through the halls of power across California. On April 26th-30th, 2026, we’re opening up our pilgrimage to the public for the first time ever.
Meals served Every Year
People Received Hygiene Kits, Socks, and Blankets Last Year
People Volunteered Last Year
