Day 166 at the 16th St. Plaza Mumblz, Mugzy and Richie

The streets around 16th and Mission in San Francisco shift from calm to chaotic as vendors and drug users take over in the evenings. Mumblz, a 38-year-old homeless woman, shares her struggles with addiction and the upcoming closure of her temporary housing, the Mission Cabins, which will be repurposed for affordable housing. Richie, another resident, expresses his belief in finding freedom on the streets, rejecting societal norms and the rental market. The police presence alters the behavior of street dwellers; they tend to vanish during the day but reappear at night. Mumblz, who has been homeless for 13 years, remains cautious about the safety of her drug supply, reflecting the precarious nature of street life.

The Gubbio Project's absence on weekends highlights the gaps in support for vulnerable populations. This dynamic reveals the ongoing struggle of individuals living on the streets and raises questions about the effectiveness of city policies. The experiences of local residents provide insight into the broader societal challenges related to homelessness and addiction.