Mayor Lurie Announces Opening of Housing for Young People Exiting Homelessness

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced the opening of new permanent supportive homes at 42 Otis Street for transitional-aged youth. The site features 24 fully functional studio apartments that will provide young people exiting homelessness with stability and support as they transition into independent living. Nonprofit provider Five Keys will provide staffing, services, and 24-hour front desk coverage for residents. 

These new homes for young people exiting homelessness represents another step in Mayor Lurie’s Breaking the Cycle plan. Last month, the mayor celebrated the opening of Dolores Shelter and Jazzie’s Place, adding 50 new beds for people experiencing homelessness and LGBTQ+ adults seeking shelter. Earlier this year, Mayor Lurie announced the launch of three new recovery-focused interim housing programs. Mayor Lurie is transforming the city’s response to the behavioral health and homelessness crisis—creating integrated neighborhood-based street outreach teams, launching the Breaking the Cycle Fund with $37.5 million in private funding, opening a 24/7 police-friendly stabilization center, and introducing new policies to connect people to treatment. 

“Since day one of our administration, we’ve been working to address our city’s homelessness and behavioral health crisis, because those struggling on our streets should have the chance to get better,” said Mayor Lurie. “With the opening of new apartments for young people exiting homelessness, we are taking another step to expand housing and services and help San Franciscans move from the streets to stability.” 

“The young people who will call 42 Otis Street home will benefit from a small 24-unit residential community that’s well-supported and that’s committed to helping its residents on their path to independence and belonging,” said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “Historically, transitional-aged youth in San Francisco disproportionately reflect our LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. It’s a population for which permanent supportive housing has proven to be especially successful, and I applaud Mayor Lurie and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing for their work to bring this program to fruition.” 

The building, located near public transportation, makes it easy for residents to access jobs, education, and other essential services. 

“At Five Keys, we’re proud to be part of bringing safe and beautiful housing to San Francisco’s unsheltered youth,” said Steve Good, Five Keys President and CEO. “This project reflects our shared commitment to caring for the city’s most vulnerable young people, and we’re grateful to HSH and the Mayor’s Office for their partnership and leadership on this project.”   

“We believe that every young person experiencing homelessness deserves a safe and supportive home where they can thrive,” said Shireen McSpadden, San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) Executive Director. “This new housing program represents a significant step forward in our commitment to addressing youth homelessness in our community. With the resources and support provided by Five Keys, we are excited to empower these young adults to take charge of their futures.”