Mayra Bustamante is a trusty hand for merchants along Ingleside’s Ocean Avenue, all while living out of her car.
The 60-year-old Guatemalan came to San Francisco when she was 16 in search of a better life. In 2017, she found the neighborhood while searching for work and a safe place to live after her daughter moved out. Though she has struggled to find permanent housing, she has come to call the neighborhood her home.
“I feel safe,” Bustamante said in Spanish. “I feel at home on Ocean. I can do more for the area. They know me, and I know everybody.”
Charm Coffee owner Kim Ramos, who translated this interview, called Bustamante a “superhero of Ocean Avenue” for all the work she’s done at different small businesses.
Bustamante worked as a cleaner at 24 Hour Fitness and at Muscle Maker Grill. She picks up shifts at Java on Ocean, and currently works as a cook at Whole Foods. She also cleans houses.
Despite the struggles and difficult circumstances throughout her life, like being in an abusive marriage, getting kicked out, having a strained relationship with some of her family, and staying on the city’s unruly streets, she remains positive and is dedicated to helping those around her, including others who are unhoused.
“I don't want to give up on life,” Bustamante said. “I've been through so much in my life today. I don't want to give up.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What does a typical day look like for you?
It's busy every day. As soon as I wake up, I have to jump up, get dressed and go straight to the gym. I work out for 45 minutes and then get a shower and start going. I always find something to do, so I keep my mind busy.
I work two houses and one job. They don't pay me that much for cleaning a house. I say, you help me, I'll help you.
Do you have a favorite job so far?
Working at 24 Hour Fitness. It's good working there. I learned a lot. I meet a lot of people. People who support me.
How do you stay motivated?
I have a grandson, and I remember when he was three years old, and I went to see him in Hawaii. I told him my story. He said, “Grandma, grandma, don't ever give up.” He only was three years old. I said, “I'm never going to.” He said, “Pinky promise that you will never give up.”
What is something you want people to know?
I’m a woman of faith and of the universe. I always know that there's more and that you have to keep going because you can’t just let yourself go. There’s so much to do and opportunities to seize, and I just want to keep going.
