Larkin Street Youth Services - San Francisco, California

Diane W.

I’m in a program rn and DO NOT ignore what everyone is saying THEY DON’T HELP. At 22 I had to figure out how to do my own pg&e and did not do it correctly. More and more problems and honestly just people wanting to get paid for a mediocre work. They don’t have life coaches that help Forster youth get onto a good track in life. Pride their selves on the fact that they can help with resume skills and building financial skills, which is something that can, honestly be taught in workshops when it comes to hands-on (going to see apartments, learning to pay rent, in other beneficial resources) people need someone there with them. These are people without parents or it never had proper adult guidance. But now that I’m almost 2 months out the program. Everyone wants to “HELP”. I’ll keep everyone updated for when I exit.

Nabi

terrible place, disgusting staff and they dont actully help you. they never helped my best friend and they were himeless for 2 years on larkins “waiting list”

Emerald M.

Super unorganized but I understand there’s a lot of people in need of help and everyone has to get a list for support , housing , and shelter. They seem like they care but they don’t I’ve had some Bad experience but if you really need some help come here i promise you they will listen to what you need and try to help you as much as they could just focus.I been in poverty my whole life and still am. But if it wasn’t for Larkin I would’ve been sleeping on the streets which I have but I was aware and and lord knows what would’ve happen if I wasn’t . It might look scary to come in side but the receptionist are super welcoming, unless on the phone but either way they have a good customer service. Being homeless before and trusting this program, I just pray I follow the right steps and I don’t have to be homeless again. God Bless you all. REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT ALONE and also I read the reviews clean the showers yes sometimes it’s dirty but it’s your responsibility to let staff kno to clean it and always mind your business and lock your stuff. Be careful who you call friends there and anywhere. I just hope I don’t go back I’m working so hard not to . But seeing other girls not knowing things I’ve got taught from the street was devastating. Look out for your self and want better for yourself it might sound like actions speaker louder than words and I get that I just don’t want no one to go through I went to

Brandi H.

I don't know where to start but my young adult son has had his struggles and was homeless we were able to find housing for him and before he moved in he was taken to Larkin Street to seek support. This was in Jan/Feb 2022 he was approved for several months of support from the organization. Every month since Jan/Feb we were asked for an additional verification (or no one replied to our emails or voicemails) and complied each time. At one point his application was flagged as fraud due to the lease language which was the lease we were given by the landlord. Often we didn't hear back from anyone but we remained persistent as I have been borrowing from Peter to pay Paul to help my son cover his rent until this support came through. Several times we were told the money was being approved and transferred (to his landlord) but it never happened last week I was told it would be deposited by the end of the week. I reached out yesterday and to my disappointment I was told he was no longer eligible and it was at the associate director's discretion to disqualify anyone's application. I was also told they are sorry for not following up as they are short staffed. I have exhausted my savings waiting for the support from Larkin Street and no one seems to care. I have heard wonderful things about this organization but my experience has been awful. I have no idea where my son will live after the end of this month as I have no more money to help him.

Joe G.

The showers seem to never be cleaned and look nasty, I've noticed bugs flying around as well as dirt hair and whatever else that is on the walls and floors. As far as staff goes I've noticed a few ego fiends. The staff should really be nicer to the people they're supposed to be helping. I walked in the other morning to simply eat and shower, when I went to get food I noticed they close mindedly made sausage egg and offered one danish. Well I don't eat meat, so I asked if I could please have 2 small danishes because I was hungry. I was then rudely told that no I can't and that it's"not my problem" that "if I don't like it I don't have to eat". Now I ask is that the mindset to hold? Definitely not, they should be required to provide food for more that just one group of people. This is about us the people in need, not just some, all. And especially not about what the person in the kitchen wants to make, at least not if their brain in too close minded to provide food everyone can have. Whatever culture going on,needs to be questioned. Peace.

Chris

Hands down one of the most degrading places for youth to stay. It lacks any form of air circulation and with the 40+ people they put in there it gets hot. Sickness goes around constantly and the staff have no will to do their job. They're highly under-trained and exceptionally unprofessional. They bribe their clients with gift cards for food, coffee or Target. The majority of the staff are ignorant of the psychological traumas youth in such scenarios have. You either suck them off in every way or they'll find a reason to get rid of you eventually. It's sad. It's scary.. I used to go thee as well as their other programs... Any other homeless k7d please post here your experience so the light can truly be shown on this malignant and corrupt corporate entity profiting off all ages of the homeless.

Zachary G.

Larkin Street Youth Services holds offices at a few locations throughout San Francisco, and they all offer the same 5-star service that the Golden Gate Avenue office provides.

The building itself has recently been renovated to house LSYS, which can be seen right away as you come into the lobby at the front entrance. The staff that work here are themselves a hugely helpful collection of social workers, health professionals and volunteer workers.

If you are between the ages of 18-25 and find yourself in the unenviable position of becoming/being homeless, please do not hesitate to contact any of their offices and get yourself an appointment to see ones of the aforementioned employees. The City of San Francisco has become the poster child for all kinds of debilitating homelessness and street life, but it doesn't have to be this way. Please find your way to this or any of the many social programs offered by SF and get yourself the help you need. You aren't alone!

Tony S.

I was a teen run away, from a san Jose group home back in 1997. So greatful to Larkin street youth services, it was difficult to be gay, and a homeless teen.. They found me an awesome foster home, and i still am in communication with my foster dad, and his husband 20 sum odd years later.. Best program ever for homeless youth!!