Greater Richmond Interfaith Program

06/11/2026

On Tuesday, Tony Thurmond, the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2019 (and gubernatorial candidate), visited GRIP and joined us in serving meals to members of our community! It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the work happening at GRIP, and to discuss the challenges facing families and individuals experiencing homelessness. 🙏

06/11/2026

06/02/2026

It’s finally summertime, and over at GRIP, you know what that means - planning for our yearly Harmony Walk in the Park fall festival and fundraiser is in full swing! We are so excited to welcome everyone back to our usual spot at Nicholl Park for the event’s 40th anniversary. You read that right - the GRIP community has been putting on the Harmony Walk since 1986! While we’ve made some tweaks to the format of the event over the years, the goal has stayed the same - to spread the word about the inspiring work that GRIP does, spend time with our families in the beautiful fall weather, and bring in some extra financial support for GRIP’s day-to-day operations.

This year’s (completely free!) event will be held slightly later in the year than in past years. Since we’re hoping to beat some of the mid-autumn heat, as well as circumvent the wonderfully busy season of community events in Richmond in October, the Harmony Walk will be held on Saturday, November 7th at our usual time (10:00 am til 1:00 pm). Dan Noyes from the ABC7 KGO news team will be back this year as our event emcee. We’re also planning to welcome back many of our previous tabling groups for an even bigger show-out from our city’s amazing organizations, community-based resources, and small businesses. Of course, we’ll be raffling off bundles of goodies from local gems, and we anticipate that multiple food trucks will be in attendance. Guests can look forward to hearing from community leaders, elected officials, and GRIP partners during opening remarks. And, we’re especially looking forward to welcoming Victor Fuentes and his band Suitcase back for a second year to provide fabulous tunes all afternoon.

We are hoping to partner with schools to bring in plenty of little ones to enjoy our expanded kids’ zone, complete with face painting, train rides, games, a pumpkin patch, and more. Older kids in past years have also enjoyed getting PE credit from participating in the walk to the GRIP shelter and back! If you are a parent, student, teacher, or administration official interested in getting your school(s) connected to this event, please reach out to us!

Anyone who is interested in sponsoring the event, hosting a table or food truck, donating a raffle prize, volunteering, or helping out in any other way can reach out to Board member and event chair Jilly de la Torre at [email protected]. We can’t wait to see you in November! 🍁🍂

04/21/2026

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We’re proud to share some exciting news: Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) has been selected as the 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks.

This recognition, presented in partnership with the California Association of Nonprofits, honors organizations across the state that are making a meaningful difference in their communities. For us, it’s a reflection of the resilience, dignity, and strength of the individuals and families we serve—and the community that stands alongside them.

Every day at GRIP, we see what’s possible when people are met with compassion and real support. Families find stability and move into permanent housing. Individuals access meals, showers, and essential services that restore a sense of dignity. And through it all, we remain grounded in a simple belief: everyone deserves a safe place to sleep and a pathway forward.

This honor belongs to all of you—our donors, volunteers, partners, and advocates—who make this work possible.

At the same time, we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the reality we’re facing. We are entering a period of significant uncertainty, with anticipated reductions in federal housing support and increasing pressure on already strained local systems. The need is growing, and the resources are not keeping pace.

That’s why your support matters now more than ever.

Your generosity ensures that we can continue to provide meals, shelter, and critical services to our unhoused neighbors. It allows us to adapt, advocate, and expand what’s possible—even in challenging political and economic times.

If you’re in a position to give, we invite you to make a DONATION today and stand with us in this work.

Thank you for being part of the GRIP community—and for helping us turn recognition into renewed impact.

With gratitude,
Ralph Payton, Executive Director

02/19/2026

It's not going to look THAT cold at GRIP, but with an extreme cold warning for temperatures dropping into the 30s and 20s, it may feel like it.
GRIP's warming center is ready with open beds tonight and every night. Read more at www.gripcares.org
(Photo is AI-generated using NanoBanana.)

https://gripcares.org/featured/extreme-cold-warning-temperatures-in-the-20s-keep-grips-warming-shelter-busy/

02/16/2026

We are thrilled to invite you to GRIP’s Sunset & Sips, an evening of community, connection, and celebration!

📅 Date: Thursday, March 12th
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, Top of Moeser Lane, El Cerrito/Kensington

Join us for a picturesque sunset gathering where you can:

✨ Snap selfies on the terrace with stunning views while mingling with community leaders.
🍷 Enjoy beer, wine, sodas, and delicious snacks.
👥 Hear from elected leaders, GRIP staff, and dedicated volunteers about their experiences.
🏆 Recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our staff and volunteers during our official Annual Meeting.

Your presence will make this evening even more special! Let’s come together to support GRIP’s mission and strengthen our community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

12/22/2025

We had our annual Contra Costa Hells Angels toy drive last Saturday! Several club chapters from all over Contra Costa visited GRIP to deliver three pickup trucks full of toys, with over 150 bikers joining the caravan - the most ever, and their twelfth year orchestrating this event! Few things beat Santa on a Harley! 🎅🏍️🎁🧸

11/26/2025

As you shop for the holidays this week, remember GRIP on . Here's what your neighbors need.

on December 2nd, 2025 reminds everyone of the critical role each and every one of us can play in the lives of our neighbors, and the future of

11/26/2025

Najee Harris, running back for the Los Angeles Chargers and former resident of the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) family shelter, donated 50 turkeys to support this year’s Thanksgiving meal […]

11/24/2025

Najee Harris, NFL football player with the LA Chargers and former resident of GRIP’s family shelter almost 15 years ago, stopped by our dining room to deliver 50 turkeys for our community. It truly takes us all! 🦃🍽️

Our annual Thanksgiving meal will fill the GRIP dining hall with warmth and enough food to quiet even the loudest stomach. Hilltop Community Church is hosting this year’s event — bringing volunteers, energy, and a spread that covers both lunch and dinner. This day always carries that unmistakable holiday electricity that only happens when people show up for one another!