GRIP is an interfaith, multiracial collaboration founded in the late 1960s that started providing services to the Greater Richmond community with the opening of their first food pantry in 1971. UUCB is one of over forty Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist member congregations working with GRIP to address critical issues of human dignity and social justice that affect the poor, the homeless and the disenfranchised.

Meals at The GRIP Souper Center

The GRIP Souper Center serves hot lunches and dinners 365 days a year with the help of volunteers from the community and its 40 plus religious congregations and partner organizations.

On the fourth Tuesday of each month, volunteers from our church prepare and serve lunch at the Souper Center located at 165 22nd Street in Richmond. To volunteer or for more information about this lunch program, please contact Ray Westergard.

On the fourth Saturday of each month, UUCB volunteers serve dinner to the GRIP Family Shelter residents. We especially encourage families to participate. To volunteer or for more information about the dinner program, please contact Ariel Smith-Iyer.

GRIP Harmony Walk

The annual October Harmony Walk through Richmond is a fund raiser that has become a tradition at UUCB. All members and friends of UUCB are invited. There’s a free pancake breakfast at 8am, music, and many activities for kids. Bring your dog, stroll with your children, and make new friends with your fellow UUCB walkers.

You’ll find Harmony Walk information and a sign up sheet at the Social Justice table in the atrium. If you’d like to make a donation, please make your check payable to UUCB and put GRIP Walk on the memo line.  Your donation is tax deductible.

Clothes for Family Shelter residents

An annual holiday-season tradition at UUCB for many years has been the “Mitten Tree” encouraging donations of mittens, scarves, and hats for the women, men, and children of all ages living at the GRIP Family Shelter. We’ve changed the name from “Mitten Tree” to “Winter Warmth for GRIP” to emphasize that we’re collecting all sorts of winter clothing. Please go through your closets, or buy new items, to help clothe GRIP residents for the cold and wet winter months, and bring your items to church during the first three Sundays in December. Mittens, scarves, and hats are still welcome, as are sweaters, jackets, raincoats, etc.

Also, with a funny name but serious intent, Undie Sunday, occurring sometime in April, gives UUCB congregants an opportunity to donate underwear (in original packaging) and similar items (eg: socks, pajamas) to GRIP family shelter residents. However, as with the Winter Warmth for GRIP clothing drive, any clothing donation is welcome.

Any questions? Email Ray Westergard.