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

City employees replaced the usual crowd of women outside A Woman’s Place shelter today, where a DPW worker in a hazmat suit cleaned the sidewalk. This cleaning raised concerns about the chemicals being used, as a paramedic advised onlookers to keep their distance. Lillyonna, a 31-year-old woman, shared her frustrations about the lack of available beds in shelters and the ineffective outreach efforts. She highlighted the necessity for more housing and case management support, citing her struggles with recovery after her mother's death. Lillyonna described her experiences with mental health professionals and her attempts to obtain detox medication, which she halted after her loss.

Her story underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the homeless population in the city. As the city grapples with these systemic issues, Lillyonna's plea for assistance highlights the urgent need for effective solutions. The situation at A Woman’s Place reflects broader societal failures in addressing homelessness and mental health.