Phyllis

Phyllis sets out found objects for sale.

Eight years ago Phyllis Blank was making $80,000 a year as a part-time dental hygienist in San Diego. She would chat with neighbors in Hillcrest while walking her two beloved german shepherds. When the economy crashed she was laid off. Her husband became abusive. So she fled to the streets. Now those same neighbors take a wide path around her sidewalk camp. She breaks down in tears when she catches a glimpse of her dogs. Each morning she carefully applies make-up, tries to stay ahead of the police who want her to move on, and assembles items rescued from the trash that she hopes to sell. When she has access to a clinic, she refills a prescription to deal with PTSD and depression. Most of the time she relies on an inner strength in order to persevere, hoping for a chance at a new job and a home.

Phyllis watches over friends while they nap, and hands out extra food to other homeless people

She falls through the cracks she said, because she’s “not screwed up enough.” I you’re an addict or an alcoholic there’s a program for you. “The next step is to call 9-1-1 on myself and get myself admitted to a psyche ward.... that gets you housing like...boom.. right away.”

“But if I wasn’t so strong and sure of myself, and who I am, and who I am not, I would have been there a long time ago.”

She said she sees people on the street talking to themselves, and knows that could happen to her if she doesn’t get out of her situation soon.