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

City employees, including police and homeless outreach workers, replaced the usual crowd of women outside A Woman’s Place shelter in San Francisco. A DPW employee in a hazmat suit cleaned the sidewalk, while Lillyonna, a 31-year-old woman, polished off a popsicle nearby. She recounted her experiences with homelessness, indicating that outreach workers often cannot assist due to a lack of available beds. Lillyonna emphasized the critical need for more housing and case management services to address her life-management challenges. She has attempted to obtain mental health support and a buprenorphine prescription for detox but paused her efforts after her mother's death, illustrating the emotional toll of her situation.

The shelter can accommodate only 56 women, highlighting the limited resources available for the homeless. Lillyonna's story reflects the urgent need for improved support systems in San Francisco, where many like her continue to struggle. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering recovery and stability among the city's homeless population.