Youth Homelessness in San Francisco: 2014 Report on Incidence and Needs

Abstract

It is estimated that 353,000-503,000 youth ages 12-24 are homeless on any given day in the United States (Burt, 2007). Homeless youth are without a place to call homethey sleep at night in parks, their cars, abandoned buildings. Places most would not consider suitable for human residence. Or they find ways to get off the street temporarily, putting themselves at great risk by spending the night with strangers who offer them a place to stay, often in exchange for sex. They lack the educational attainment and employment experience that result in living wage jobs. And they are off track to reach a future that includes self-sufficiency, economic stability, and overall well-being.Larkin Street is the leading provider of housing and support services to homeless youth in San Francisco. Between July 2013 and June 2014 Larkin Street provided services to over 3,000 youth.1 Due to the number of youth who access Larkin Street programs we are able to provide a picture of youth homelessness in San Fr ancisco