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Commission approves Larkin Street contract for Paramount youth program at reduced capacity; members push to restore lost units
Summary
The commission approved an extension for Larkin Street's Paramount supportive housing program at 30 units (down from 38), while commissioners urged the department and the nonprofit to secure additional funds so the program can return to its original size.
San Francisco's Homelessness Oversight Commission on Wednesday voted to extend Larkin Street Youth Services' contract to operate youth supportive housing associated with the Paramount program but approved the contract at a reduced funded capacity of 30 units rather than the site's prior 38 units.
Commissioner Bevan Dufty, who pressed for the program's protection and urged additional fundraising, framed the Paramount as a long‑running option for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer young adults who come to the city for community supports. Larkin Street's interim staff said rising operating and rental costs made the 38‑unit model financially unsustainable without additional subsidy; the nonprofit and HSH said the department would work to identify funding to restore units if possible.
Larkin Street's representative told the commission, "We are full. I know there's a question about occupancy. We are at 30," and said the agency has been subsidizing the contract with private funds in recent years. HSH staff said the recommended contract includes contingency authority and that if the department can identify additional funding the contract could be amended to add units without returning to the commission.
The motion to approve the contract passed on a roll‑call vote. Commissioners asked HSH and Larkin Street to collaborate on options to restore the original capacity and to pursue philanthropic or other local funds in the near term.
Why it matters: The Paramount program serves transitional‑aged youth and has been a city partnership for decades. The reduction in funded units reflects operating cost pressures across the service system; commissioners indicated they would support further fundraising or budget adjustments to restore capacity.
What happens next: HSH will work with Larkin Street on options to identify funds to add units and promised to report back; the approved contract authority includes contingency to accommodate adjustments if funding is identified.
