Castro Youth Housing Initiative

A Good Idea

Description

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered youth are more likely to become homeless or have unstable living situations than their heterosexual peers. Community representatives and business leaders in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco developed the Castro Youth Housing Initiative to serve homeless youth that specializes in services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered youth.

The Castro Youth Housing Initiative provides housing and complementary programs such as life skills training, referrals for mental health and/or substance abuse counseling. Each resident is assigned a case manager who helps them access Larkin Street's full continuum of care and training programs including job placement and employment programs. The overall focus of the housing facility is to foster support among residents and provide mentorship from understanding adults.

Goal / Mission

To meet the housing needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth ages 18-24.

Results / Accomplishments

In 2009, the Castro Youth Initiatve provided an average of 56 case management sessions and 87 individual independent living skills sessions each month. Among youth who exited the program, 77% transitioned to stable housing.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Larkin Street Youth Services
Primary Contact
Larkin Street Youth Services
701 Sutter Street, Suite 2
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-0911
http://www.larkinstreetyouth.org/
Topics
Health / Adolescent Health
Community / Social Environment
Organization(s)
Larkin Street Youth Services
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
San Francisco, CA
For more details
Target Audience
Teens
Additional Audience
LGBT Youth