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

City employees, including police and homeless outreach workers, replaced the usual crowd at A Woman’s Place shelter today, where women often gather. Lillyonna, a 31-year-old who sometimes stays at the shelter, emphasized the ongoing housing crisis, stating, “If it’s illegal to be homeless, we need more housing. ” She has encountered outreach workers but noted that they cannot provide help when beds are unavailable. Lillyonna also seeks a case manager to assist her with life-management skills. She has tried accessing mental health services and detox support but faced setbacks after her mother’s death.

The shelter accommodates 56 women, indicating a high demand for services that often go unmet. As homelessness continues to rise in San Francisco, the need for expanded resources and housing solutions becomes increasingly critical. This situation underscores the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in urban areas.