Given the trauma so many homeless youth have experienced during their young lives — due to abuse or neglect in their homes and/or the violence and exploitation of life on the streets — it is not surprising that so many of the kids we serve share mental health and substance abuse issues.

Mental health and substance abuse may contribute to youth becoming homeless, because their parents or guardians are unable or unwilling to meet their behavioral health needs. Once they land on the streets, these issues are exacerbated due to the threat of violence and exploitation. Anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, and suicide attempts are alarmingly common among youth on the streets. As a means of self-medicating and escape, many turn to drug use.

Youth with mental health and substance abuse issues have unique and complex needs for housing. In response, Larkin Street launched Routz in 2007 to provide service-rich supportive housing to youth with severe mental health needs and dual diagnosis.

Larkin Street works closely with the City of San Francisco’s Community Behavioral Health Services to identify and link youth who are most appropriate for Routz housing. Once enrolled in the housing program, residents have access through Larkin Street and community partners like the Family Services Agency to intensive case management, psychiatric assessment and treatment, peer-based support, and job training.

Undiagnosed and untreated behavioral health issues contribute to long-term, chronic homelessness. Routz enables Larkin Street to intervene early and help youth along the road to recovery.

• Routz provides 22 units of supportive housing for youth with Severe Mental Illness or Severe Emotional Disturbance.
• Routz launched in 2007 with funding through the State’s Mental Health Services Act.

Back

Programs Home