Yvonnes Southern Sweets in the Bayview was vandalized in early June. Its still struggling to reopen

Yvonne Hines, owner of Yvonne’s Southern Sweets, was devastated by a break-in that occurred shortly after she reopened her bakery following a fire closure in January. The vandalism left her storefront, located at 5128 Third St. , with a shattered window, and Hines expressed feelings of violation and emotional distress. The Bayview community quickly stepped in to assist, boarding up the broken window and offering support, yet Hines is struggling to afford the repairs. With family ties to the Bayview dating back to 1945, Hines has deep roots in the community and has received encouragement from local figures, including filmmaker Kevin Epps.

Despite her emotional turmoil, she delayed posting about the incident on social media, not wanting to reopen the wound. Hines is now seeking donations to cover the cost of installing a new window and a metal roll-up door for added security. The break-in underscores the vulnerability of small businesses in the Bayview, which rely heavily on community support. Hines's story resonates with many, reflecting both the challenges and resilience of local entrepreneurs.