by Kevin Epps
The energy at GLIDE felt more like a block party than a ribbon-cutting.
Outside, a live band played from a makeshift stage set up in front of GLIDE’s entrance as people danced, gathered and filled the sidewalk with excitement. Inside and outside the historic San Francisco institution, conversations buzzed as community members packed the space for the launch of GLIDE’s newest initiative — a community barbershop designed to connect men with critical health and support services.
Sitting front row as the program got underway was iconic actor and longtime social justice advocate Danny Glover, whose presence underscored the significance of the moment.
At first, I wasn’t immediately clear on the connection when I received word that GLIDE was opening a barbershop. But when you look at the history of the organization — its deep commitment to innovative community care and radical compassion — the idea begins to make perfect sense.
GLIDE continues community care
For decades, GLIDE has been known for meeting people where they are, offering unconditional love, essential services and spiritual grounding to those facing poverty, addiction, homelessness and hardship. This new barbershop reflects that same philosophy — a holistic approach centered on dignity, humanity and connection.
And, according to city health leaders, the need is urgent.
Daniel Tsai, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, emphasized the importance of the partnership between GLIDE and the city to bring vital services directly to people who need them.
The shop will serve as a gateway to health resources, mental health care, and substance use treatment — all within a familiar and trusted community setting.
Also present for the celebration was Bilal Mahmood, the District 5 representative on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, who presented GLIDE with a certificate recognizing the launch of the barbershop and the organization’s continued impact in the community.
“GLIDE has always been a hug for the community,” Mahmood said. “The Tenderloin represents a real holistic way of life — making sure people are housed and have food. I think now having a barbershop here completes that circle to provide people a full life, even if they don’t have everything.”
But the barbershop is about much more than grooming.
It’s about conversation, connection and care.
Black men at risk
“The Director of Public Health mentioned that Black men are dying at higher rates from overdose than the general population,” said Rev. Dr. Gina Fromer, GLIDE’s CEO. “Even though things are getting better overall, that number has stayed the same.
“So this shop is a very innovative way to get people — anyone who needs a haircut — off the street, get cleaned up, and maybe start talking about their health. Maybe they want to get a job. Maybe they enter one of our programs to get off drugs.
“It’s a doorway,” Fromer said.
“What the Department of Public Health recognizes is what the barbershop has always meant in every community — it’s the community living room.”
For generations, barbershops have served as informal gathering places where men talk openly about life, politics, family, and struggles. GLIDE’s vision builds on that tradition by creating a space where conversations can also lead to counseling, support services and life-changing opportunities.
Tacing Parker, chief program officer at GLIDE, says the initiative also addresses long-standing disparities.
“It’s important because Black men’s lives matter in San Francisco,” Parker said. “As a community, city agencies and partners want to rally our services to ensure that they live. That’s why it’s important.”
Rev. Ishmael Burch takes the cut
Leading the shop is Rev. Ishmael Burch, who will manage the barbershop and whose deep roots in barbershop culture shape the spirit behind the effort.
Speaking in his warm Louisiana drawl, Burch described the barbershop as far more than a place for grooming.
“The barbershop started in the church,” he said. “I was raised in the barbershop since I was 4 years old, and I know the barbershop.
“If I had a problem as a young man, I could go there and find someone to talk to. And that’s the way this barbershop is.”
Burch explained that the vision goes beyond the barber’s chair.
“We’re teaching each one of the barbers to build relationships,” he said. “So we have counseling sessions after the haircut. Then they can set up time to come back in two or three days, and we keep working with them.”
The goal is to help people rebuild their lives.
“The idea is to lift people up,” Burch said. “Those who are unhoused, we help get them housing. It doesn’t do any good to give a man a haircut, make him look good, and then send him right back to the ground.
“So there’s a lot of work behind it, but we’re going to get there with all the resources and support.”
For Burch, the connection between service and faith is also central to what makes the shop unique.
“God is connected to it,” he said. “And that makes this barbershop different.”
Danny Glover is the first client in an effort towards community upliftment
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the celebration continued as Danny Glover stepped forward to become the shop’s first customer. Sitting in the barber’s chair as clippers buzzed and cameras flashed, the legendary actor received the first haircut inside the new space — a symbolic moment marking the official opening of the shop.
The moment drew smiles and applause from those gathered, capturing a scene that reflected both community pride and the spirit of support behind the project.
GLIDE’s barbershop officially launched on March 5 and is located at 330 Ellis St. in San Francisco’s Tenderloin.
Services and hours are designed to provide both grooming and access to deeper support services — and the haircuts are free.
The barbershop is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Grooming services are offered Tuesday through Saturday.
Counseling, case management and support groups are offered Monday through Friday.
The shop is more than a haircut — it’s an invitation to critical health conversations, building dignity, strengthening community, and creating a pathway to GLIDE’s full continuum of care.
In a city searching for solutions to overlapping crises of addiction, homelessness and mental health challenges, GLIDE’s barbershop reflects a simple but powerful idea: Meet people where they are.
And in the heart of the Tenderloin, where struggle and resilience have long lived side by side, GLIDE continues its legacy — turning the timeless tradition of the Black barbershop into a place of dignity, healing and brotherhood, where a free haircut can open the door to conversation, community and a new beginning.
Kevin Epps is a Dad, award-winning filmmaker, community activist, author, executive editor of the SF Bay View “National Black Newspaper” and a board member for the SF Bay View Foundation. Reach him at kevin@sfbayview.com or on Instagram: kevinepps1.