Assessing the Community Need for At-Risk Youth Services
Each year Larkin Street’s Research and Evaluation Department publishes a report on the extent of youth homelessness in San Francisco in its Annual Report on Incidence and Needs – Youth Homelessness.
There are approximately 5,700 homeless and marginally housed youth in San Francisco each year who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency. Although the group is diverse there are common paths to homelessness. The majority of homeless youth have either run away from unstable home environments or have been involved with youth systems of care (foster care, juvenile justice, and mental health). They exhibit high levels of trauma, mental health issues, and substance use issues. Homeless youth struggle on a daily basis to survive and meet their basic needs. They lack the educational attainment and employment experience that result in living wage jobs. These youth require assistance to develop the skills they need to become independent, self-sufficient adults.
For more details about the demographic composition and service requirements of homeless youth in San Francisco, sign into Larkin Street’s Resource library to download your copy of the 2010 Annual Report on Incidence and Needs. This report provides a snapshot of youth homelessness in San Francisco, the service needs, and Larkin Street Youth Services’ response to that need.