Mass. and Cass cleared. They haven’t heard from ‘Gina’ in weeks.

Our outreach program supports women at Mass. and Cass who are affected by addiction and sex trafficking. The

Globe’s last major story on the area around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard reported that 102 individuals were moved to temporary shelter (“Clearing of tents just step one in massive task: Wu, police vow vigilance in aiding those displaced,” Metro, Nov. 3). Among those who refused shelter was someone we’ll call “Gina,” about whom we were particularly concerned because of her fragile health, severe substance use disorder, and ongoing sexual exploitation.

We built trust with Gina on the streets over two years. She visited our nighttime center, shared about traumas predating her time at Mass. and Cass, and took steps toward recovery.

We have not seen her since the decampment.

Although Atkinson Street was described as unsustainable and dangerous, it was also a community that kept some people alive and offered access to help on their terms. Closing down the encampment near Atkinson Street severed many relationships between residents and helpers.

Trafficked women face unique dangers after decampment, and there are others like Gina who are now at even higher risk of overdose, serious violence, and death.

Three weeks and counting after the tents once again came down, we invite the Globe to stay focused on individuals like Gina to showcase the ugly realities of decampment. It’s more than just a temporarily cleared street.

ABIGAIL M. JUDGE SANDRA ANDRADE Boston Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Massachusetts General Hospital Boston

Closing down the encampment near Atkinson Street severed many relationships between residents and helpers.