In an impactful visit that underscored the importance of youth-centered initiatives, Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston recently visited one of our housing sites. The visit highlighted the range of services offered through our programs, including wellness, education, and workforce development. It also underscored the value of collaboration and open…
Meet Hayden, a gifted musician whose story reflects the impact of community support and its power to transform lives. On the brink of homelessness, Hayden turned to Larkin Street Youth Services in a moment of urgency. Our team responded quickly, offering not just shelter, but a place to call home. His apartment became a turning…
The bustling, vibrant cityscape of San Francisco is home to a story of resilience and transformation. Aaron, an LGBTQ+ young person who once experienced homelessness, found a place of safety and acceptance at Larkin Street Youth Services. Aaron’s journey began in one of Larkin Street’s emergency shelters and continued toward securing stable housing of their…
In a remarkable display of community collaboration and compassion, AEC Cares recently embarked on a transformational renovation project at one of our emergency shelters, the Lark Inn. This project aimed to revitalize the facility, creating a safe and welcoming environment for young individuals experiencing homelessness. The impact of this renovation extends far beyond the physical…
Ending youth homelessness requires that we make it rare, brief, and one-time. In the third of three policy briefs exploring solutions to end youth homelessness, this document focuses on what it takes to ensure that young people sustain their housing for good. What drives youth homelessness, and what keeps a young person stably housed long-term?…
Dear Larkin Street family, Demonization as a means to further disempower marginalized populations is as old as history itself. As LGBTQ+ individuals and leaders of Larkin Street Youth Services, we are alarmed by the demonization of queer and trans people across the nation and even here in our midst. Our community’s strength and resilience are…
My dearest Larkin Street Fam, Our recent Paving the Way Gala on Sunday, May 7, has filled us all with gratitude and inspiration. Our guests’ generosity fueled our mission as we surpassed our fundraising goal—raising over $1 million—and ignited a beacon of hope for youth experiencing homelessness! Our vibrant emcees, the remarkable Franco Finn and Larkin Street…
Larkin Street is thrilled to participate in a new pilot program called Trust Youth Initiative (TYI), a direct cash transfer program. This initiative is in partnership with Google.org, Point Source Youth, UpTogether, and Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. The goal of this program is not only to help address youth homelessness but also…
My Dearest Larkin Family, As the pages of time turn to spring, I cannot help but be reminded of all the hardships that have befallen our community this past winter. We have weathered a major storm that brought devastation to our unhoused neighbors, witnessed the tragic shooting that shook the Asian American Pacific Islander community,…
Q: Tell me about your career background and how you got to your current position. A: When I was an executive assistant in 2011, my then managers told me they were going to open a school in Richmond. I was intrigued and wanted to help. As the school’s first employee I was able to support in…
As America becomes more unsafe for trans youth every day, Larkin Street is committed now more than ever to protecting their rights and providing a safe space for transgender young people. Although California is a sanctuary for trans youth, other states are passing legislation restricting or banning healthcare access, including gender-affirming care. As always, Larkin…
We, at Larkin Street, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our beloved staff members, Carlton “Mr. C” Benson, who served as our Senior Manager of Client Engagement. Mr. C was known for his compassion and welcoming smile. He had the ability to build strong and meaningful relationships with the young people…
Q: Tell me about your career background and how you got to your current position? A: I have been a youth worker since I was a youth myself. At 17, I left my hometown in upstate New York and moved to Boston. There, I worked as a front-line staff member at a youth center in…
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your career background and what led you to your current position? A: I’ve worked across multiple industries throughout my career, including transportation, healthcare, and nonprofit. My previous role was with the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation, where I worked from 2008 to 2019—about 11 years. I started as…
Larkin Street program participants celebrated the holiday season with our annual Harvest and Winter festivals! We had such an incredible time celebrating the holidays at both of these events and are so grateful for our staff and volunteers who made these events so special. Both Harvest and Winter Fest were filled with great food, music,…
The three young people featured in this three-minute video—Christian, Earlasha, and Traci—have overcome incredible challenges, yet they remain positive and hopeful. This is what Larkin Street is proud and humbled to do each day: provide positivity, support, mentorship, skills training, basic needs, and hope. Watch the video to learn more about their stories and how…
Dear friends, I’ve learned a lot since joining the Larkin Street board more than six years ago, including startling statistics, like 50% of chronically homeless adults first experienced homelessness as young people. The type of early intervention practiced at Larkin Street works to stop homelessness at its root by providing resources so young people can…
November is National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), a public awareness campaign designed to educate the public about the experiences of runaway and homeless youth. This month is a time for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together, share resources, and work to end youth homelessness. Each year, Larkin Street participates in this movement through a…
Larkin Street staff member Kenyaun Christie shared his experience as a frontline worker serving the homeless population in California. In the CalMatters article, he discusses what it’s like to do this work and why it is essential for California leaders to make a stronger commitment to supporting this dedicated workforce. “As a survivor of the…
