In early May, LaQuana “LA Pink” Alexander arrived at Efficiency Lodge to distribute food and clothing. Her playful familiarity quickly won over wary residents. The parking lot transformed into a stigma-free celebration.

Pink’s approach stemmed from personal experience with being unhoused. After sleeping in an abandoned building, she founded The Community Boutique, distributing high-quality donations with dignity. During the event, Pink searched for Michelle, who had grown close to her during the pandemic. She learned that Michelle had been evicted after a violent fight. Days later, Michelle messaged Pink via Facebook: She and Skye were unhoused and hungry. Pink found Michelle gaunt and distraught. Over a meal, Michelle explained that her SNAP EBT card had stopped working and her stimulus check never arrived. Pink later learned from DJ that Michelle had instigated the fight while drunk. Despite these inconsistencies, Pink committed to helping them.

After losing her hospital food services job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Britt converted her back porch at Gladstone Apartments into a hair salon. Gladstone was a supportive community where many residents were former public housing tenants.

Gladstone remained affordable because of a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit from 1996 requiring rent restrictions for 30 years, not expiring until 2025.