TARGETED HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Direct Cash Detroit
Direct Cash to Prevent Youth Homelessness
📍 Detroit, MI
Photo: Ali Lapetina
What Is Direct Cash Detroit?
1. PSY and Detroit Continuum of Care (CoC) designed a Targeted Housing Assistance Program for youth at imminent risk of homelessness.
2. The program gives Detroit youth a one-time cash payment to help resolve a housing crisis and to avoid homelessness.
3. PSY is partnering with Detroit Phoenix Center as the local community-based organization providing youth-directed programming, including housing stability, financial coaching and budgeting, life skills, and peer support.
Photo: Ali Lapetina
The teams at Detroit Phoenix Center and Point Source Youth met in September in Detroit to finalize the new Direct Cash Detroit program design.
Direct Cash Detroit: By The Numbers
50
youth ages youth ages 18-24 participating in the program
$2.5K
average amount of $2,500 offered in a one-time payment
3-6
months of supportive programming
Photo: Ali Lapetina
THE LATEST
Detroit Phoenix Center, Point Source Youth Launch $125,000 Direct Cash Program
Point Source Youth is working with Detroit Phoenix Center to distribute the cash starting November 2026. Detroit Phoenix Center brings deep community roots and a shared commitment to youth-driven solutions to this partnership.
Founded in 2017 by Courtney Smith, who experienced foster care and homelessness herself, DPC has built a comprehensive network of support for Detroit young people, spanning housing assistance, mental health services, education, employment, and youth leadership. That approach makes DPC a natural partner.
The teams at Detroit Phoenix Center and Point Source Youth met in September in Detroit to finalize the new Direct Cash Detroit program design.
On The Team
Dr. Henry O. Love
Director of Program Development and Growth, PSY
Tristan Hicks
Peer Navigator, Detroit Phoenix Center
Briauna Travis
Peer Navigator, Detroit Phoenix Center
Azaria “Zay” Terrell
Youth Consultant, Detroit Phoenix Center
This initiative is led by Point Source Youth and Detroit Phoenix Center, in partnership with The McGregor Foundation and the Homeless Action Network of Detroit.
