INSPIRATION
Larkin Street ’ s programs address the immediate needs youth have for housing , food and safety , while also encouraging their participation in essential support services that offer the skills and resources needed to help them reach their full potential and keep them off the streets .
The organization ’ s success rate in helping kids stay off the street permanently speaks to Larkin ’ s unique model , which is based on the fact that given safety , shelter , compassion , guidance and enough positive options , kids can find their own solutions . They believe all youth deserve the chance to reach their full potential .
Chief Development Officer Elinor Tappé , who recently started working at Larkin , says she took on the role “ because of the crisis of youth living on the streets of our city . San Francisco is one of the wealthiest cities in the US and has the highest population of homeless young people . Larkin Street provides a solution — three out of four young people who go through our comprehensive program leave the streets for good . That ’ s a pretty amazing outcome , and private funding is part of the investment that makes it possible . I believe in the benevolence of the northern California community — they can make all the difference for these kids .”
Each program or service is expressly designed to meet the unique needs of homeless and runaway youth and includes :
• Engagement services including Street Outreach and Community Center ( Haight Street Referral Center ).
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