Day 166 at the 16th St. Plaza Mumblz, Mugzy and Richie
The streets at 16th and Mission in San Francisco experienced a shift in visibility regarding homelessness and drug use, with the area being clear during the day but crowded in the evening. Mumblz, a 38-year-old homeless woman, described her long-term struggle with addiction and her temporary housing situation provided by the Hot Team, which will soon end. She expressed concerns about her health, particularly a finger wound, while noting that she isn't ready to accept addiction treatment offers. Richie, another local, shared his belief in the freedom of living on the streets, emphasizing his disillusionment with government and financial systems. The presence of law enforcement influences the dynamics of the area, as many vendors and users retreat when police are present.
The article sheds light on the challenges and complexities faced by homeless individuals in the Mission District, including the impact of housing projects on their living conditions. As construction begins on affordable housing, the fate of individuals like Mumblz remains uncertain. The narrative highlights the ongoing struggle between community support and the enforcement of city policies.