The graduation ceremony for GLIDE’s Social Justice Academy on June 26th was both triumphant and bittersweet. Triumphant, because of all the truly remarkable things our
GLIDE and the End Poverty Tows Coalition have long supported individuals and families living in RVs and vehicles, pushing for humane solutions like safe parking programs, services, and permanent housing. Our central belief is simple: towing someone’s only shelter is not a solution to homelessness—it deepens it. “Poverty tows” describe the punitive practice of towing vehicles not because of crime or danger, but because people are poor. These tows strip people of their shelter, transportation, belongings, and dignity—all because they can’t afford alternatives.
We’ve all been studying the deeper implication of the passing of the Big Ugly Bill, but here’s what everyone needs to understand: the promise of the American dream– the promise that any person can keep their family housed, fed and safe– has been broken. It has been broken so deeply, we’ll need to spend decades picking up the pieces.
Originally Printed in by Alexander Puutio There’s traditional fundraising, and then there’s the kind of fundraising GLIDE does that makes headlines each May. Since
GLIDE was honored with the 12th position in the Pride Parade line-up, right across from the Mayor’s float. As we gathered, Mayor Lurie addressed the crowd with a hopeful message. Then it was time for CHURCH ON THE STREET—GLIDE’s unique spiritual celebration, bursting with music, movement, and love.
Millions of Americans will be left fearing for their families, worrying about food, healthcare, and safety, as a result of the Big Ugly Bill now signed into law. As President & CEO of GLIDE, this makes me want to scream! This bill is an assault on poor people and shamelessly un-American.
“Fentanyl has ravaged San Francisco. No two ways about it. I’ve seen so many people die from it. I watched 4 people die from Fentanyl addiction while I gave them CPR, waiting for the ambulance to arrive. This is so far from normal.
This week saw the city of San Francisco honor Glide Memorial Church’s Minister of Celebration Marvin K. White. As a Black gay man and minister,
“We kicked off this year’s San Francisco Juneteenth Parade right at Spear and Market streets. The beat of music filled the air, a parade of sounds that celebrated Black joy in every note. Classic muscle cars rolled by, polished and gleaming under the morning sun, as families lined the sidewalks smiling and dancing.”
Glide Memorial Church also honored San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Chief Bill Scott, who was transitioning from his role as one of San Francisco’s longest-serving chiefs of police. It’s rare to witness a chief of police being celebrated alongside the Executive Director of San Francisco Pride, but that’s the heart of Glide Memorial Church—an unwavering commitment to bridging communities and embracing all people.
