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

The east side of Mission Street in San Francisco drew crowds of vendors and drug users on Sunday evening, a marked change from the morning and afternoon when the streets were largely empty. Mumblz, a 38-year-old woman from Ohio, discussed her ongoing struggles with addiction and the temporary housing she received from the Hot Team, which is set to close soon for construction of affordable housing. She expressed concerns about her health, particularly a finger wound, and indicated a lack of readiness to accept addiction services despite being offered help. Richie, another resident, articulated a belief in the freedom found in homelessness, rejecting societal norms and acknowledging a respectful relationship with the police. The presence of law enforcement influenced the behavior of vendors and drug users, who tended to disappear when officials were nearby.

This dynamic raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies to manage homelessness in the area. The article captures the complex realities faced by residents and highlights the transient nature of the homeless population. It also underscores the need for sustained support and services to address addiction and housing instability.