California Today

From Homelessness to Sobriety at 16th and Mission

17 May 2026 09:10

Ariel, originally from Mexico, overcame addiction and homelessness at 16th and Mission in San Francisco. After a drug court program and sober living, he now attends AA meetings in the same area and works at a senior center.

- Ariel moved to San Francisco in 2017 but fell into crack addiction. - He was homeless for two years around 16th and Mission, engaging in survival sex and daily drug use.

- In 2022, he was arrested for arson and entered a drug court program. - Now three years sober, he works, attends AA, and is rebuilding his life.

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JulianSan FranciscoaddictionhomelessnessrecoverycommunityCity and County of San FranciscoSan Francisco CountyLocal