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

At the intersection of 16th and Mission in San Francisco, the evening hours attract crowds of vendors and drug users, while mornings and afternoons remain largely clear. Local residents like Mumblz, who has been homeless for 13 years, share their experiences, reflecting a complex relationship with addiction and city services. Mumblz, still using fentanyl and crack, has been offered addiction services but currently feels unready to accept help. Her companion, Richie, prefers the freedom of living on the streets and appreciates the respectful interactions he has with police. He claims to find more freedom in California's homelessness than anywhere else.

The article underscores the transient nature of the homeless population, with many individuals disappearing from familiar spots. City workers and police often disperse these groups during the day, but they return at night, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing homelessness. The fluctuating presence of residents raises questions about the effectiveness of current outreach efforts in the community.