Thank you for your interest
in supporting our work.

Volunteer as an Individual

We’ve listed a few ways for you to volunteer with Larkin Street, but we have more! If you’re considering volunteering with us, please complete our online form, and we’ll be in touch.

Delivery and Distribution

Help us distribute supplies and donations from our headquarters to young people in shelters, congregate housing, and scattered sites.

Other needs: Bilingual tutor

Apply Today →

Need more help or have questions? Contact us at [email protected].

Volunteer Together

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for an opportunity for your team to support a great cause? We have a number of group volunteer opportunities that can make an impact for our organization while helping your team grow and learn. Read on for details about our needs.

Larkin Street really seems to have it dialed – there’s a focus on comprehensive services, a non-judgmental approach to clients (meeting youth where they are versus forcing them to change), and a holistic view of the issue (tackling root causes). I left deeply impressed by the work.

– Volunteer Group Participant

Ways to Participate

Group Opportunities

Kit Assembly

Choose a Kit

Art Assembly Kit

Our Art program provides hands-on visual, performing arts and design training, along with professional community engagements, including our annual Performing Arts Night.

  • Acrylic paints
  • USB drives
  • Headphones
  • Sketchbooks
  • Paint sticks

This can be combined with an in-kind drive of used cameras, musical equipment, and photo or music editing software.

“It Takes a Village” Kit

Some of the young people we serve are parenting or expecting. This kit reminds them that they are not alone and are part of a larger community. Groups can also customize or decorate white onesies.

  • Onesie for decoration
  • Package of diapers
  • Two jars of baby food or snacks
  • $25 Target gift card

Basic Needs Kit

These basic essentials are available in our Engagement Centers and help ensure young people have access to everyday supplies.

  • T-shirt
  • Socks
  • Toiletries, such as soap, toothbrushes and combs
  • Razors

Move-In Kit

These items are available to young people moving into housing who may not have the means to purchase household essentials. The kits provide important supplies and help welcome young people into their new homes.

  • Pillow
  • Bedding, full or queen
  • Towels
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Laundry detergent and dryer sheets
  • Laundry hamper
  • Cooking supplies such as a pan, pot and spatula
  • $25 Target or Ross gift card, optional

Cycle Care Kit

These kits include menstrual care essentials that are crucial to young people in our programs. They are available in our Engagement Centers and help ensure young people have access to essentials and wellness supplies.

Curly Hair Kit

Our young people deserve to feel beautiful and have access to self-care and hair-care products that meet their needs. These kits provide products specifically selected for curlier hair textures.

  • Detangling combs
  • Spray bottle
  • Edge control
  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Co-wash bar
  • Satin scrunchies or no-snag hair ties

Volunteer Onsite

In-Person Opportunities

We are working on new opportunities for the upcoming year and look forward to welcoming volunteers onsite. Availability may vary, so please contact our team to confirm current opportunities.

Clothing Closet Organization

Location
Larkin Street HQ
134 Golden Gate Ave.

Schedule
Any weekday except Wednesdays, after 2 PM

Group Size
Up to 15 people

Duration
2 hours

Larkin Street’s clothing closet offers professional and street attire for youth experiencing homelessness. Volunteers help keep the space organized, stocked and welcoming by sorting donated clothing, folding and organizing items already in the closet, and helping with general organization and cleaning.

Groups may also conduct an in-office clothing drive for young people ages 18–24 to help keep the Clothing Closet stocked with age-appropriate attire.

Kitchen Assistance & Meal Preparation

Location
Larkin Street HQ
134 Golden Gate Ave.

Schedule
Tuesday–Thursday
11 AM–1 PM

Group Size
Up to 3 people

Duration
2 hours

Providing hot meals for young people is extremely important, as many may not otherwise have access to a prepared meal.

Because of the size of our kitchen, onsite meal preparation can accommodate groups of up to three volunteers. Groups that prefer to prepare a meal offsite and drop it off can be larger.

Harm Reduction Kit Assembly

Location
Larkin Street HQ
134 Golden Gate Ave.

Schedule
Any weekday except Wednesdays, after 2 PM

Group Size
Up to 15 people

Duration
2 hours

Larkin Street operates under a harm reduction model, which aims to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use.

Volunteers help assemble harm reduction kits using provided supplies for distribution to young people. Our staff also works to connect young people with Behavioral Health services and substance use support when they are ready and willing to engage.

Ready to Volunteer?

Reach out to [email protected] to schedule a volunteer opportunity today.

Contact Our Volunteer Team