Celebrating Sherilyn Adams
20 Years of Visionary Leadership
Two Decades at Larkin Street: A Wake-Up Call That Shaped Our Direction
Reflecting on the past twenty years at Larkin Street, it became increasingly clear that many young people were in need but remained unseen. This realization underscored the need to strengthen our efforts—not only in resources, but in understanding the lived experiences of young people.
A turning point came when Mayor Newsom convened a task force focused on understanding the needs of transition-aged youth. The findings were clear, especially the urgent need for housing support. This moment served as a wake-up call that helped shape the future direction of Larkin Street.
Adapting to Serve: How Larkin Street’s Mission Evolves with Youth Feedback and Innovation
Our mission calls us to take bold steps and create space for young people to express their needs. We prioritize listening to their voices and trust in their strength and insight.
When young people identify needs—whether educational support, housing outside the Tenderloin, or help with affordability—we respond with action. This includes subsidies, rapid rehousing, and expanded behavioral health services. Their feedback is central to how we evaluate our impact and refine our programs.
Larkin Street continues to integrate innovation with core values, grounded in active listening and responsiveness to the young people we serve.
Reflecting on Collective Achievements: Evolving Housing Strategies at Larkin Street
Behind every success at Larkin Street is a dedicated team. Early in my tenure, we introduced scattered-site housing as a new approach, which has since grown into a key part of our housing strategy.
We are most proud of how our housing options have expanded and diversified over time. That growth has been shaped by both successes and challenges, as well as by learning to listen more closely to youth and staff voices.
Today, the range of housing options we offer reflects years of collective effort and adaptation. The widespread use of the term “TAY” (Transition-Aged Youth) across the field, while not originated by us, reflects the broader influence of this work and shared advocacy in the sector.
