Ronald, 68, has always been resourceful. He has his recycling system down to a science. He knows which liquor stores have large dumpsters nearby, and which bus stops typically have trash cans where riders leave drink containers. He makes sure he follows behind parade routes, marathons, downtown rallies and marches, or big events in Balboa Park. Originally from new Orleans, he moved out to San Diego to be near family when his marriage went south. All was fine for years until his mother passed away and those family members kicked him out of the apartment they all shared. Again, ever resourceful, he bounced between motels and shelters until he was able to secure a Section 8 voucher, eventually landing in a downtown studio apartment. He still cans every day.

Mark always liked singing. When he was five he and his three other brothers would sing along with the radio. They never made it big, but Mark and his twin brother Martin always had a magical musical connection when they were together. In fact, Mark and Martin were often in the same prison at the same time. Mark even managed to fool the guards at San Quentin, hoping to get his brother released in his place, but it didn’t work out. Having learned to draw while in juvenile detention, Mark managed to stay creative the rest of his life: drawing, tattoos, woodburning, even jewelry making. He manages to make some spending money designing walking canes with elaborate carvings.

Mona Bailey has been spreading aloha among her unhoused community of friends, neighbors, and supporters for 15 years. When she discovered her husband was cheating on her, she ended up at a trolley station crying unconsolably and suicidal. HOT team members got her into the Alpha Project winter tent, then she moved in with a friend who was not the best person to live with. Mona soon discovered she had breast cancer to go along with her asthma and heart condition. Despite her medical conditions, she is low on the list for housing because, as she puts it, “I haven’t been raped and I have no mental health issues. And I’m not trying to get on no cuckoo medicine just to get housing.”

Michael and Macushla walk through San Diego during the day, stopping often to let people pet Macushla - she’s a crowd pleaser. She’s his “darling daughter", a loose translation of the name made famous in the movie Million Dollar Baby. Michael also tries to be a crowd pleaser, never starting arguments, avoiding drugs and alcohol and situations where they dominate the environment. He spent 16 years working at restaurants in Las Vegas before caring for his ailing father, but a couple of personality clashes with his brother and sister landed him on the streets in San Diego. Now he is happy to at least be in a tent at the O Lot, hoping for something more permanent soon.