serving the folks of the Tenderloin and San Francisco since 1963

For Derek Hollis, Civic Center resident and devoted GLIDE volunteer, Phoenix Day was a joyful extension of what he already loves most about GLIDE—group, service, and the liberty to easily be himself.

Derek has been volunteering for a few yr, typically serving to serve meals in GLIDE’s Daily Free Meals program. “My love language is feeding people,” he shared with a smile. “It’s great to come in, work with a bunch of people, and just serve some food. I find it very meditative.”

Though this was his first time attending Phoenix Day, Derek was instantly struck by the heat and power filling the streets. “Events like this show the street in a different light,” he mentioned. “It highlights that this is one community—it’s not ‘those folks over there’ and ‘these folks over here.’ It’s everybody, right here.”

Derek mentioned it a way of unity is what retains him coming again to GLIDE. “The thing that keeps me coming back is this message of freedom,” he mirrored. “People have different ways of expressing themselves in the world, but I think liberation—and celebration—are both really important.”

For longtime San Franciscan JJ Dollarhide, Phoenix Day was greater than a road pageant—it was a homecoming. After transferring again to town 4 years in the past and experiencing homelessness, JJ discovered group and hope by means of GLIDE. “I came to GLIDE when I needed help, and they were incredibly supportive,” JJ shared. “Not just with meals or services, but with the sense of community—the unconditional love you feel.”

JJ first related with GLIDE by means of the Celebration choir, an area that provided each artistic expression and belonging. “This event today is actually my first step back toward that,” JJ mentioned, smiling. “I love the symbolism of the Phoenix—how it rises from the ashes. In a lot of ways, San Francisco is doing the same, and so are many of us.”