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, including police and homeless outreach workers. This shelter, located beneath the 13th Street freeway, serves 56 women who often face various challenges, including health issues and the need for support services. Lillyonna, a 31-year-old resident, criticized the lack of available beds and called for more housing and life-management skills training. “If it’s illegal to be homeless, we need more housing,” she asserted, highlighting the pressing need for systemic change. She also shared her experiences with mental health services, noting her struggles after her mother’s death.

The scene depicted the ongoing difficulties faced by the homeless community in San Francisco, emphasizing the inadequacy of current outreach efforts. City officials are aware of these issues but have yet to implement comprehensive solutions to address housing shortages. Lillyonna’s story reflects the larger struggle for support and resources among the city’s homeless population.