Oregon Direct Cash Transfers Plus Pilot

Oregon’s Direct Cash Transfers Plus (DCT+) pilot program provides youth and young adults aged 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness the financial support needed to obtain and maintain housing. From February 2023 to February 2025, 120 youth who were previously experiencing homelessness in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Deschutes Counties received $1000 monthly for 24 months and a one time enrichment fund of $3000 in order to further support transition out of homelessness. 

Oregon youth, service providers, and funders at the 2025 PSY Innovation Summit.

Oregon's Direct Cash Transfers Plus (DCT+) pilot program aimed to address youth and young adult homelessness by providing substantial and consistent financial payments. Launched in February 2023, the program specifically targeted individuals aged 18 to 24 who were actively experiencing homelessness across three Oregon counties: Multnomah, Clackamas, and Deschutes. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by this vulnerable population in securing and retaining stable housing, the DCT+ program offered a two-pronged approach to financial support.

  • Firstly, each of the 120 participants received a direct monthly cash transfer of $1000 for a duration of 25 months. This regular income stream was intended to provide a foundational level of economic security, enabling recipients to cover essential housing costs such as rent, utilities, as well as other basic needs.

  • Secondly, the program incorporated a one-time enrichment fund of $3000. This additional financial boost was designed to offer participants the means to address specific barriers such as security deposits, purchasing furniture, covering moving expenses, or investing in education or job training opportunities that could contribute to long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

A Success Story in Oregon

Gabrielle Huffman talks about how direct cash transfers "gave her the ability to breathe" and allowed her to enroll in school and establish stable housing for her and her daughter.

Meet the Community Based Organizations

  • Native American Youth Association

    Rooted in sustaining tradition and building cultural wealth, the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is a collective of diverse tribes and voices, "founded by the community, for the community." NAYA offers culturally specific programs and services designed to empower individuals toward personal success and balance through cultural empowerment. Guided by elders, driven by families, and centered on youth, NAYA's services foster a holistic and healthy environment.

  • AntFarm Youth Services

    AntFarm envisions a society where all individuals are healthy, live with purpose, and actively contribute to their communities. Their mission is to foster a healthy, purposeful, and compassionate community by offering culturally sensitive and impactful learning opportunities to youth and families. AntFarm's services have successfully cultivated a supportive community focused on essential needs, life skills, work skills, and educational advancement.

  • J Bar J Youth Services

    Recognizing unmet needs among Central Oregon youth, J Bar J Youth Services was established with the aim of fostering their success as happy, healthy, and contributing adults. The organization champions the value of each young person by emphasizing their strengths and fostering resilience. To address diverse needs, it provides a range of programs in Central Oregon, spanning mentorship, shelter and transitional housing, and support for victims of human trafficking.

Meet the Point Source Youth Direct Cash Transfers Team

  • Anjala Huff

    Vice President, Direct Cash Transfers

  • Rocio Evelin Carranza Jacinto

    Associate Director, Direct Cash Transfers as Prevention

  • Slaynne De La Cruz

    Director, Technical Assistance

This initiative is presented by Point Source Youth and Oregon Department of Human Services’ Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.