Kenyaun Christie wears many hats at our agency.
He is the Assistant Director of Navigation, and his primary role is to help young people find housing. Each year, he supports and places approximately 200 to 300 young people into our supportive housing programs.
He is Larkin Street’s housing expert.
“It’s very rewarding. We have some youth who get so excited that they have four walls, a blanket, and no one bothering them. They can lock their door. It brings tears to my eyes sometimes.”
Having housing is key to changing lives. It provides young people experiencing homelessness with stability, safety, and a place to return to after school, job interviews, or work.
“We meet clients where they’re at—whether they’re in crisis, in college, or experiencing homelessness. Seeing them at different stages, developing plans over time, and watching them achieve their goals really fulfills me.”
Kenyaun has been with Larkin Street for three years. Prior to his current role, he served as a program manager. His work allows him to connect with people in many different ways and at many different stages.
“I like watching people see their own power and succeed. It’s a beautiful thing to see someone transform, blossom, and accomplish their goals.”
One former client Kenyaun supported is now working in Human Resources at Salesforce. Many young people who come through our doors need encouragement that takes time, consistency, and compassion.
“Sometimes youth don’t trust easily. Building rapport, listening to their stories, figuring out resources, and then helping them is what we do. All that coordination is a lot, but we have to be able to do it.”
And this is exactly what Kenyaun wants to do. Finding Kenyaun to help lead our team felt like kismet. Kenyaun believes finding Larkin Street was destiny.
“I feel like I was cut from this type of cloth. I know I’m working with humans and supporting them. It flows through me, and I feel like I’m made for this.”
