Direct Cash Central Maryland

Donald Eaddy, VP of Youth Development & Community Health at The Y in Central Maryland, Point Source Youth’s new partner in distributing cash in Maryland. Photo: The Y in Central Maryland Facebook

What is Direct Cash Central Maryland?

This Targeted Housing Assistance Program (THAP) offers a scalable and youth-driven solution to prevent youth homelessness in Maryland by providing immediate financial assistance and tailored supportive services to young people on the verge of a housing crisis. It is co-designed with youth to improve housing stability, food security, empowerment, and general well-being for the recipients.

How It Works

1.

50 eligible young adults (ages 18-24) meet with a local trained provider to create a customized “Housing Action Plan” that identifies housing solutions, a budget, and their next steps to execute the plan.

2.

Once the plan has been approved, the participants receive a one-time cash payment that is tailored to support their plan.

3.

Recipients also receive supportive services like financial planning and mentorship while enrolled in the program.

THE LATEST

A New Chapter for Direct Cash Support in Maryland

Following the success of the first phase of Baltimore’s direct cash program with our partner Thread in spring 2026, Point Source Youth is launching a second cohort to reach another 50 young people at risk of homelessness.

For this next phase, we are partnering with the YMCA of Central Maryland, a trusted community organization committed to youth development, healthy living, and building strong, connected communities across the region.

Training with YMCA staff will begin this fall, with direct cash distribution set to begin in December 2026.

This expansion builds on the momentum of the first cohort and brings the program to even more young people before a housing crisis becomes homelessness.

PSY’s new partner, the YMCA of Central Maryland, is a trusted community organization committed to youth development, healthy living, and building strong, connected communities across the region. Photos: The Y in Central Maryland Facebook

“Sacrifices are vowels to never give up on your destiny … mistakes are proof that you're working on your goals but YOU are the walking representation of everything you work for.”

— Ibriana Dorsey, Youth Consultant

On The Team

This initiative is led by Point Source Youth in partnership with The Y in Central Maryland. Youth consultants and PSY will guide the distribution of cash and ensure community voices are at the forefront.