With anti-LGBTQ+ laws being put into place in several states around the country, San Francisco is a place for youth not accepted at home or school to come and be themselves. However, due to the high cost of living many of these LGBTQ+ youth cannot find or afford housing, leaving them homeless. There are over 1,100 people under the age of 18 sleeping in the city with no shelter every night, of which almost half identify as LGBTQ+ and 88% have suffered some form of abuse prior to becoming homeless. Also, 47% of these youth have mental health problems when checking into homeless shelters like Larkin Street Youth Services. Larkin Street Youth Services provides housing, behavioral health support, and substance abuse services to teens struggling, as well as education and employment help. Almost 2,000 total teens benefit from this organization every year and have support that may not be available to them from their families. 429 young people were helped through Larkin Street’s housing programs, and 90% of those who completed the program were able to exit to stable housing. Additionally, 145 teens were able to find jobs thanks to the educational programs offered by Larkin Academy. With your help, Larkin Street is able to support these young people which not only helps the teens but also is a significant part of ending homelessness for all ages. To do my part in supporting this organization, I will be biking around the bay area (over 110 miles) on the weekend of August 19th, 2023. This ride will take me directly through San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, all of which have been extremely affected by homelessness. I will also be documenting my ride and sharing that on Instagram. All donations are appreciated! If anyone wants to come on the ride, they are more than welcome to. The money will all be going to Larkin Street and will help work towards ending youth homelessness in San Francisco. More information about Larkin Street Youth Services: Founded in 1984, Larkin Street Youth Services is an internationally recognized leader in providing innovative, effective housing, medical, social, and educational services to at-risk, homeless, and runaway youth ages 12-24, through its programs and services across San Francisco. Three out of four youths who complete Larkin Street's comprehensive programs exit street life for good. For more information, please visit www.larkinstreetyouth.org
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