GRIP’s mission is to support families on their journey to self-sufficiency, and we are proud to provide safe shelter, meals, case management, and long-term resources at no cost to those in need.
Donate now to support those in need of food and housing in the West County region.
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Power of Presence: How Volunteers Bring Hope to GRIP — May 2025 Newsletter
At GRIP, we believe that volunteerism is not just an act of service—it’s an expression of humanity. When a volunteer walks through our doors, they do more than prepare a meal or sort donations—they remind our clients that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
Planting seeds of change with P2P: Richmond students launch GRIP’s community garden
On April 18th, GRIP was thrilled to welcome a team of bright and enthusiastic Richmond high school students from the Plant to Plate (P2P) internship program to kick off the next phase of our community vegetable garden. These student interns, guided by P2P staff,...
Building Literacy and Equity with Tandem’s Nain Villanueva de Lopez
Our newest community partner, Tandem, a nonprofit committed to social justice and early childhood education, is now bringing literacy resources and family engagement programming to the children and families at GRIP’s family shelter. We sat down with Nain Villanueva de...
Massages, life coaching, & acupuncture: Caring for people without homes means caring for the WHOLE person
Thursday afternoon, massage tables replaced the usual lunch tables in the GRIP dining room. Clients, many of whom live without homes and in constant food insecurity, experienced the same holistic healing touch that you might expect to find on a well-heeled wellness...
GRIP Board: Ruthie Abelson Olivas brings lifetime of service and volunteerism to make a difference
Ruthie Abelson Olivas, one of GRIP’s newer board members, is a force in the community, a leader on the board of the Rosie the Riveter Trust and the League of Women Voters, active in the Rotary Club, and was named a 2024 Woman of the Year by Congressman John Garamendi....
89,723 meals mark a transformative year at GRIP: Annual meeting cites results and challenges
From serving 78,000 meals in GRIP’s small kitchen, launching a playground renovation so shelter children have a safe and nurturing place to play, creating alternative health options for the unhoused population, to coming face to face with the growing needs of our...
It happened again: A boring wall at GRIP transformed into a vibrant artistic masterpiece
There is something about a plain wooden fence that invites the mind to consider images, ideas, and energy. This month, the plain, wooden fence encircling GRIP’s new community garden became the canvas again for the artistry of The Bay Area Mural Program’s Andre...
Join us Feb. 27th, 5:30p-7p for “Sunset and Sips” – an evening of gratitude and connection
Sunset and Sips with GRIP Date: Thursday, February 27th Time: 5:30 PM - 7 PM Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, Top of Moeser Lane, El Cerrito / Kensington Join us for "Sunset and Sips", an inspiring evening to connect with the dedicated leaders of...
Give back to GRIP this #GivingTuesday: Wishlist and volunteer needs
It's #GivingTuesday, December 2, 2024, when Americans focus not just on giving gifts, but on giving back, and GRIP is an ideal place to support this week. The Greater Richmond Interfaith Program and Souper Center (GRIP) works to serve the homelessness and hunger in...
Plumber, landscaper, janitor, artist: GRIP’s Mafi Moli makes a difference
When you think of a homeless shelter, do you imagine a rosy Tuscan villa, with lush landscaping, and quiet corners to discover yourself and recharge? Mafi Moli, maintenance tech and janitor at GRIP, does; and that’s the exact inspiration for a beautiful new feature at...
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GRIP Organization and Mission
GRIP is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic coalition of congregations from varied faiths working together as a diverse and inclusive coalition dedicated to helping those of our community in need to transition to self-sufficiency.
Our mission statement: “GRIP provides a safe & nourishing place that helps transform those who are unsheltered and in need move toward self-sufficiency.”
Over the years, GRIP, in keeping with its mission has evolved from a small community food pantry to a multiservice agency, which serves 15,000 homeless, hungry, and low-income consumers annually. GRIP is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors drawn from member congregations, the business community and public-sector agencies.
GRIP’s staff consists of a dedicated group of individuals who have a unique ability to establish rapport with consumers. As a result, GRIP has earned the reputation as a trusted housing and service provider with a proven track record for making inroads with individuals who have histories of chronic homelessness. GRIP, equally, is noted for being fiscally responsible and transparent in accounting practices and reporting. GRIP maintains lines of open communication with its donors, funders, and community supporters.
Each January, GRIP shares an Annual Report with multiple stakeholders at the Annual Meeting. GRIP has provided emergency shelter and housing for families since 1993. The Souper Center provides meals and basic needs to the community since GRIP’s inception in 1966. Our dedicated 41-member congregations are our front line of volunteers and support. This year, GRIP celebrates 50 years providing services to the community.
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GRIP is registered as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Federal Identification Number: 23-7169239
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GRIP provides a safe & nourishing place that helps transform those who are unsheltered and in need move toward self-sufficiency.
GRIP is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Federal Identification Number:
23-7169239

165 22nd Street
Richmond, California 94801
(510) 233-2141