Day 163 at the 16th St. Plaza A Womans Place

City employees conducted a cleanup outside A Woman’s Place, a shelter for women under the 13th Street freeway, replacing the usual crowd of women seeking refuge. Lillyonna, a 31-year-old woman who sometimes stays at the shelter, expressed frustration over the lack of available beds and the inability of outreach workers to provide real help. She called for more housing options and a case manager to assist with life management skills. Lillyonna shared her past experiences with mental health services and her efforts to obtain buprenorphine for detox after her mother’s death. This scene underscores the persistent struggles of homeless individuals in urban environments.

The shelter accommodates 56 women, highlighting the pressing need for additional resources. Local officials face increasing pressure to address housing shortages as homelessness continues to rise. The community demands action to provide support and solutions for those in need.