On April 16, 2026, our community gathered at The Conservatory at One Sansome for the Paving the Way Gala, bringing together over 350 supporters united around a shared belief: every young person experiencing homelessness deserves the opportunity to build a stable, self-determined future. Together, the evening raised $1 million in support of our programs.
This year’s theme, Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Fearless Futures, carried through every part of the evening—from the cocktail reception to a live auction where every bid directly supported housing, education, employment, and wellness services for young people.
Building What Comes Next
The evening also marked the celebration of Larkin Street’s brand refresh, created in partnership with Turner Duckworth. Special thanks to CEO Joanne Chan, a cherished Larkin Street board member, for championing this pro bono collaboration.
As we look toward expanding its impact across the Bay Area, the refreshed brand reflects both where the organization has been and where it is going next: a clearer, bolder expression of a long-standing commitment to youth-led futures.
Centering What Matters Most
Our CEO, Sherilyn Adams, reminded guests that a roof is just the beginning. Real impact comes from investing in the full journey; supporting young people not only into housing, but into long-term stability, growth, and belonging.
“So tonight is about deciding what kind of neighbors we are going to be. There’s likely a young person pacing around our yello doors right now deciding if they can bet on us. Deciding if we are who we say we are. Asking, without words, whether someone on the other side believes they are worth believing in. And because of the power of this room, because of what you choose to give tonight, the answer … can be yes…”
Youth Voices at the Center
Some of the most powerful moments of the evening came from young people sharing their creativity, presence, and lived experience.
thankruu, Manise, and HAN!F took the stage as youth performers, bringing energy, artistry, and authenticity that grounded the entire room. Their performances reflected what this work is ultimately about: young people being seen, heard, and supported in fully expressing who they are.
That same truth carried through the stories shared by two young people who spoke to their journeys in their own words. Both Hillary Martinez Melendez and Clarence Zheng were honored as this year’s Going the Distance Award recipients, an award recognizing young people who demonstrate resilience, growth, and commitment to building their futures while navigating systemic barriers.
Hillary Martinez Melendez came to the United States from Mexico facing language barriers, systemic obstacles, and moments of invisibility. Rather than step back, she moved forward.
“Being underestimated became my biggest motivation,” she shared.
Today, she attends City College, works in a restaurant, and is pursuing her goal of attending law school.
Clarence Zheng arrived from China at 17, navigating a new country, a new language, and significant family responsibilities. After connecting with Larkin Street, he earned his GED, enrolled at City College, and began studying physics and engineering.
“Larkin Street didn’t just give me housing,” he said. “They gave me someone who treated my future like it was worth fighting for.”
Their stories reflect a simple truth: when young people are given access to stability and support, they don’t just overcome challenges, they build futures that reflect their full potential.
Honoring Leadership That Moves Systems
This year’s Anne B. Stanton Award honored Secretary Tomiquia Moss, whose decades of leadership in housing, homelessness, and public policy have helped advance more equitable systems across the Bay Area and beyond.
From founding All Home, to leading Hamilton Families, to serving in senior roles for the cities of San Francisco and Oakland, Secretary Moss has consistently worked to turn systems toward greater accountability, coordination, and care. We are proud to recognize her leadership and impact.
Creating a Path Forward
When young people have access to stable housing, education, employment, and consistent community support, they thrive and lead.
The funds raised at this year’s gala directly strengthen that access for young people experiencing homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area, helping ensure more youth have the support they need to build lasting stability and opportunity.
With Deep Gratitude
This work is only possible because of the community behind it. To our sponsors and supporters: your investment ensures that young people are met with consistency, dignity, and opportunity.
We also extend deep gratitude to Turner Duckworth and CEO Joanne Chan for their partnership in bringing Larkin Street’s brand refresh to life—a reflection of both the organization’s evolution and its vision for expanding impact across the Bay Area.
