Raised in homelessness, she has known little else but violence and abandonment—from her parents, schools, law enforcement, and even neighbors. One bright and lasting childhood memory stands out: on her 7th birthday, members of the LAPD learned of her situation and threw her a party at their precinct. It was a moment she would never forget.

From that day on, she dreamed of becoming a police officer. However, due to a “criminal history” that was the collateral damage of living unhoused, that dream was never realized. Instead, she chose another path of service. Known on the streets as “Momma Ivy,” she dedicated herself to protecting and serving the homeless—filling the gap left behind when traditional policing and law enforcement no longer offered support.

In memorial Oct. 2024
Known on the Street as
Momma Ivy or Poisen Ivy