At this year’s Paving the Way Gala, our community came together for young people experiencing homelessness.
On May 8, 2025, we gathered for the 23rd annual Paving the Way Gala at The Conservatory at One Sansome in San Francisco. With 360 supporters in attendance to provide transformative opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness. The evening was unforgettable, celebrating the resilience, strength, and boundless potential of the young people we serve, while reaffirming the incredible power of our community to drive lasting change.
That spirit of unity and purpose carried through the evening—including during the reception, where we were honored to welcome San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. He spoke to the City’s commitment to investing in young people and recognized the impact of organizations like ours in expanding access to opportunity and possibility. His presence underscored the shared responsibility we all hold in building a future where youth can thrive.
This commitment came to life throughout the program, where we saw firsthand how young people are achieving lasting success in housing, education, employment, and wellness. As our CEO Sherilyn Adams shared during her address, ending youth homelessness requires more than just providing housing—it’s about creating pathways so that young people can stay housed.
She closed with a call to action: to deepen our commitment to youth, ensuring they have the comprehensive support needed to build a brighter, more equitable future for all.
“The secret sauce of Larkin Street is our fundamental understanding that combating youth homelessness means increasing young people’s access to education, employment, and behavioral health services. All the things people need to stay housed. If you want to interrupt homelessness give someone a roof and four walls, if you want to end it you have to invest a whole lot more,” Sherilyn said.
Honoring Resilient Youth
The evening was deeply moving as we heard from youth who have found stability and opportunity through our programs. Their stories of resilience and growth inspire hope, showing how they have built strong foundations for their futures. These young individuals are a testament to the power of community support and the ability of young people to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
A highlight of the evening was recognizing Jordan Jones and Victoria Ocana with the Going the Distance Award. Both Jordan and Victoria have demonstrated incredible determination and have made significant strides in their personal journeys. Their commitment to their futures is inspiring, and we couldn’t be more proud of the progress they’ve made.
Advocating for Change
We presented the Anne B. Stanton Award to Dr. Coco Auerswald, professor of public health at UC Berkeley. Dr. Auerswald was honored for her decades of work advancing equity, youth voice, and data-driven policies to end youth homelessness. As Dr. Auerswald shared during her acceptance speech:
“I started my academic career in 2000, collaborating with Larkin to open HIV research to youth receiving services. We’ve now been through two pandemics together. Larkin Street’s program participants and staff have inspired me for 25 years and have made my career possible. I’m deeply grateful for this award.”
We also honored Kunal Modi, former board member and now San Francisco’s Chief of Health, Homelessness, and Family Services, with the Board Impact Award for his visionary leadership and continued commitment to the community.
Creating a Path to Success
As the evening came to a close, one message rang clear: when young people have access to stable housing, education, employment, and a caring community, they don’t just survive—they thrive. The funds raised at this year’s gala will directly support our mission to help youth, providing them with the tools, guidance, and opportunities to build their futures.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are deeply grateful for the support of our generous sponsors, whose contributions made this event possible. Your commitment to our mission plays a crucial role in creating lasting change for youth experiencing homelessness. We couldn’t do this without you.
This event was a powerful reminder of what is possible when we come together to support young people. With the continued generosity of our donors, we will keep breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for youth to achieve their dreams, unlocking their potential and paving the way for a brighter future.
Full Event Photos
Take a look at highlights from the evening.
Photobooth Album
Browse all the fun moments captured at the booth.
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