Richmond, CA – The Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) is thrilled to announce that Ralph Payton will be GRIP’s new permanent executive director.
Payton is a seasoned veteran of homeless services in the Bay Area. He recently served as the CEO of Hunters Point Family, a nonprofit that provides services in youth leadership, environmental stewardship and workforce participation in San Francisco’s Bayview, Hunters Point, Tenderloin, and Mission districts. Previously, Payton was the executive director of Raphael House, San Francisco’s largest family homeless shelter. From 2016-2020, Payton was appointed by the mayor to co-chair San Francisco’s Local Homeless Coordinating Board. In addition, Payton has been a director at two other large city homeless shelters in the Bronx and Miami.
Payton brings additional expertise in mental health and job training. He has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and served as a therapist and clinical coordinator within disadvantaged communities for five years. He has also led workforce development programs, especially for youth, in both New York City and San Francisco.
“It’s an honor to join and lead the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program family and their mission to positively transform the lives of those we serve,” said Payton.
“For over 50 years, GRIP has been assisting families and individuals as they work towards self-sufficiency, and I’m privileged to join this mission as we all strive for an equitable and prosperous community. My pledge is to support our staff, donors, and faith communities as we work together for a brighter future.”
Board Chair Pastor Dale Weatherspoon added, “This past year, GRIP has returned to its core missions while also professionalizing how we do business. Payton’s experience in local homeless issues will allow him to hit the ground running and build on our positive momentum.”
Since 1968, GRIP has been sheltering the homeless and feeding the hungry. Currently, GRIP runs a family homeless shelter, soup kitchen, encampment outreach, casework, showers, laundry, and mail services.
Every year, GRIP provides over 55,000 meals and transitions 120 people to permanent housing.
Payton begins his new position August 22, 2022.
