Innovative Ways to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness
We work nationally to ensure direct flexible cash assistance is available for all young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, so they get the support they need, exactly when they need it most.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2025 national Symposium on Solutions to End Youth Homelessness
October 7-8, 2025
Baltimore, MD
Join over 800 advocates, service providers, youth leaders, policymakers, and funders from across the country for two powerful days of connection, learning, and movement-building in Baltimore this October!
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
youth-centered solutions
Our four interventions are grounded in youth choice, independence, supportive wrap-around services, and the housing-first principle. We believe that all people have the unconditional right to housing and that the choices we make shouldn’t disqualify us from our basic human rights. Every single young person deserves secure housing.
Targeted Housing Assistance Program
Youth facing imminent risk of homelessness receive a one-time cash payment to support the housing action plan they developed with their prevention specialist. They also have access to additional youth-centered services through a local community-based organization.
National Prevention Learning Collaborative (NPLC)
NPLC seeks to highlight and elevate effective practices, policies, and programs that are driving local progress in preventing youth homelessness. It promotes peer learning, strengthens collaboration among federal, state, and local partners, and enhances coordination of efforts.
Direct Cash Transfers
DCT delivers monthly cash payments directly to youth in a way that aligns with their needs and preferences. A local community-based organization offers youth-centered support, including housing navigation, financial coaching, and peer mentorship.
Case Study headline here
Through DCT, Program staff distribute cash to youth either remotely or safely in person at a frequency that works best for them alongside optional support programs including higher education and career counseling in addition to traditional case management.
$128,000
Direct Cast Transfers distributed in 2024
PSY Success Stories
95%
of youths in stable housing after 1 month post-cash
PSY Success Stories
Three providers in Oregon work with youth to provide a time-limited monthly cash payment to secure safe, stable housing, as well as youth-directed supportive services.
Average monthly payment
Total number of people served
Percent who are stably housed
The Door and Henry Street Settlement provided a one-time targeted cash payment to prevent youth from experiencing homelessness, as well as opt-in supportive services.
Average cost per person
Total number of people served
Percent who are stably housed
AYA Youth Collective provided a one-time targeted cash payment to prevent youth from experiencing homelessness, as well as opt-in supportive services.
Average cost per person
Total number of people served
Percent who are stably housed
YESS provided a one-time targeted cash payment as well as opt-in supportive services to prevent youth from experiencing homelessness.
Average cost per person
Total number of people served
Percent who are stably housed
CASH LA Direct Cash Transfers As Prevention Request for Proposal
ANNOUNCING
Resources & Latest Updates
HANDBOOK
Direct Cash Transfers (DCT-P) Handbook
This comprehensive guide is for advocates, service providers, and communities looking to implement Direct Cash Transfers as Prevention (DCT-P)—a powerful, youth-centered strategy to prevent homelessness.
INNOVATION SUMMIT
On Youth Advocacy & Direct Cash Transfers
Our Innovation Summit exceeded all our expectations. Nearly 500 leaders registered, and the turnout, energy, and community focus on preventing and ending youth homelessness by directly resourcing young people were truly inspiring.
VIDEO
Direct Cash Transfers: The Proof Is in Their Stories
Real Stories. Real Impact. From the Youth Who Lived It. Meet the young people behind the Direct Cash Transfers Program.
REPORT
PCCI Direct Cash Transfer Project Final report
Pilot program by Project Community Connections, Inc. (PCCI) that provided unconditional $400 monthly cash transfers alongside housing support to 100 households.
YOUTH RESOURCES
A Financial Empowerment Platform for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
WorthIt provides free interactive skill-building for youth experiencing homelessness including tips on budgeting, building credit, and more!
WEBINAR
National Prevention Learning Collaborative on Youth Homelessness
NPLC brings together national partners, local provider organizations, and youth with lived expertise from across the country.
