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

The intersection of 16th and Mission Streets in San Francisco experiences a surge of vendors and drug users in the evenings, contrasting with quieter daytime hours. Mumblz, a 38-year-old homeless woman, disclosed her struggles with addiction to fentanyl and crack, emphasizing the need for personal readiness to accept addiction services. Local shelters, like the Mission Cabins, face imminent shutdowns for affordable housing construction, complicating her housing situation. Other individuals, like Richie, expressed a sense of freedom in their homeless lifestyle, rejecting societal norms and emphasizing respectful interactions with police. He noted, “I found more freedom being homeless in California than anywhere else,” reflecting a broader sentiment among some homeless individuals.

Observations highlighted the transient nature of street life, with many vendors and residents absent from the area over recent weeks. The presence of law enforcement influences the visibility of these groups, as they tend to disperse during the day. This ongoing dynamic raises questions about the long-term solutions for homelessness and addiction in the city, which remain critical issues for local policymakers.