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Our very own Sherilyn Adams, along with leaders from 3rd Street Youth Center & Clinic, Five Keys Schools and Programs, At The Crossroads, Community Housing Partnership, Homeless Youth Alliance, Huckleberry Youth Programs, LYRIC, San Francisco LGBT Center, and Young Community Developers, shared their expertise on the importance of investing in young people. Please read this op-ed piece published by the SF Examiner.
One night of living on the streets can result in a lifetime of trauma. Most people who are fortunate to have stable housing, clean water, and food do not have direct experience of what that means. Unfortunately, many young people in San Francisco do—and this is not only a local issue, but one seen across the United States.
Young people experiencing homelessness are often overlooked, frequently left out of political dialogue, and disproportionately impacted by systemic oppression due to race, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. As with many social issues, youth homelessness is first and foremost an issue of inequity; 80% of the young people served are BIPOC (29% Black and 27% Latinx), and almost half identify as LGBTQ+.
Two years ago, the City issued an ambitious framework to prevent and end youth homelessness. As a community, that framework has been put into action: launching the Rising Up campaign to cut youth homelessness in half by 2023, creating a housing program for transgender youth, and taking early steps toward a Youth Navigation Center.
Over recent months, leaders have faced the challenge of stewarding the City’s budget during an economic downturn not seen in nearly a century. While the Mayor’s budget revision reflects a balanced approach, it is important to consider lessons from the past and present.
Nearly 50% of people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco had their first experience before the age of 25. Economic instability and high unemployment have left vulnerable youth facing serious challenges, compounded by an ongoing housing crisis. Investing in supportive housing and workforce development is both a moral responsibility and an economically sound approach, as early intervention reduces long-term costs associated with chronic homelessness.
The budget reflects community values, and it is important that future budgets continue to support vulnerable youth. Maintaining and expanding funding for homeless services is essential, along with strengthening prevention strategies.
This includes expanding emergency housing to quickly move youth off the streets, increasing long-term housing exits, and investing in workforce development programs. To address the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and support progress toward making homelessness rare, brief, and one-time for young people, investments in the homelessness response system must continue.
Every young person is a complex individual with potential and intrinsic value. San Francisco’s stated values of equity, diversity, and inclusion require continued commitment to supporting vulnerable youth, particularly during this critical period in the City’s history.
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