Woman living in her car is battling cancer and trying to find a place to stay

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – I first interviewed Mercedes Ortega in July 2023. She was the last person living at National Avenue and 16th Street when the city’s Unsafe Camping Ordinance went into effect. The police issued her a ticket and towed her car.

I caught up with Mercedes again; She still lived in her car nearby.

“Now I have $1,000 worth of tickets because I get a ticket everywhere I go,” she said.

Mercedes has another battle: she has leukemia. She says she receives radiation and chemotherapy every week.

“Sometimes you’re already half dead when you come back. You have no strength. Plus you have to move. It is difficult. I’m getting through this. I don’t show anyone my weakness,” she said.

Mercedes says she lived at O ​​Lot, one of the safe places to sleep in San Diego. But she says she was kicked out after a few months because she had too much stuff.

Mercedes relies on local pantries for food and cooks in front of her car. She’s trying to find long-term housing, but in the meantime she’s just trying to survive.

“I was supposed to be in the hospital receiving blood transfusions during our conversation. I have no time. I pray every day,” she said.

ABC 10News reached out to the city to see what housing options they have.

This is the statement that was made:

“The City does not comment on the personal information or circumstances of past/current clients. However, a client would not be excluded from the program simply because they have not yet found housing.”

“Each participant has a case manager who works with them to connect them to housing and other resources for long-term stability, which could include connecting them to counseling services.”

“The city operates a vehicle for people who become homeless Safe Parking Program (sandiego.gov) with all-round service.”