In the video above, Freddy Martin reads a prayer at the Annual Memorial for the the homeless and marginally housed who died in 2023: “You are gone in the physical realm, but not forgotten.”

On one of the darkest nights of the year, Glide joined its coalition partners at the Annual commemoration for the homeless and marginally housed individuals who died throughout the year.  In 2023, over 416 names were read from the list provided by the San Francisco Medical Examiner’s office and community leaders.  The names were memorialized on banners and read allowed in Civic Center plaza.  Minister Marvin called the event “a collective sigh of remembrance, a collective vow to never forget and remember the love, the joy, the peace, the humanity [the dearly departed] represented.”

The event, organized by the San Francisco Interfaith Council, the Faithful Fools and Skywatchers, raised awareness about the impacts of poverty and homelessness and serves as a advocacy effort to rally for additional care and resources. Glide Memorial Church and the Center For Social Justice were in attendance and multiple speakers from Glide participated in the event, including Dr. Megan Rohrer (Sr. Church Communication Specialist), Joko Mira Ingram (Glide Church Meditation Leader) and Freddy Martin (Congregational Life and Community Engagement Manager).  About 100 individuals attended the community event.

Freddy Martin reading a prayer at the event.

Center for Social Justice leaders standing with coalition partners in front of City Hall.

Joko Mira reads a loving kindness meditation at the event.