What is the Targeted Housing Assistance Program?
PSY’s Targeted Housing Assistance Program (THAP) is a scalable, youth-driven solution to prevent youth homelessness.
Modeled after Washington State’s Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Fund (HPDF), this intervention is a one-time cash payment to young people based on the resources needed through the construction of a housing plan. Alongside the cash payment are youth-directed services provided by a local community-based organization that might include housing navigation, financial coaching, and peer support.
OUR WORK
Featured Projects
Our 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.
IN-PROGRESS — GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
Grand Rapids: Program Moves Into Next Phase of Recruiting Youth Recipients
Direct Cash Grand Rapids helps prevent youth homelessness by pairing immediate financial support with hands-on services. As of March 2026, we’re recruiting youth, building individualized housing plans, and distributing funds to put those plans into action.
MICHIGAN
Direct Cash Detroit Seeks Lead CBO
OKLAHOMA
Youth Services of Tulsa selected as Lead community provider
MAINE
Direct Cash Maine selects Homeworthy as community Partner
HAWAI’I
Direct Cash Hawai’i Kickoff & Cash Distribution
OREGON
Second Cohort Set To Receive Cash
MARYLAND
Baltimore: Thread Prepares To Distribute Cash
NORTH CAROLINA
Time Out Youth Builds Housing Plans With 50 Youth
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles: Safe Place For Youth Launches CASH LA 2.0
AZ, CA, GA, MI, NY, OR, TX
Nationwide: 7-State THAP Pilot Prevents Homelessness
THAP IN ACTION
Success Stories
The data is clear: Giving young adults targeted funds for immediate housing assistance is an efficient way to prevent and end youth homelessness. What the data doesn’t show is how cash assistance changes lives.
In this storytelling series, recipients of the program across the country talk about how the money and the support that came with it gave them space to rebuild relationships, support their families, and enroll in school.
📍 NEW YORK
Taurice Used Direct Cash Transfers to Rebuild Family Ties
Taurice grew up moving homes and supporting himself as a teen. With help from the Targeted Housing Assistance Program, he secured housing, furniture, and stability, finally starting a new life.
📍 ARIZONA
Valeria Almost Lost Her Home Out of College
Valeria couch surfed since 12 but stayed focused on college and success. After graduation, housing insecurity threatened her dream until she found the Targeted Housing Assistance Program.
📍 TEXAS
Yoselin Ended a Cycle of Instability for her Family
Yoselin’s family struggled to meet basic needs and feared losing their home. After joining the Targeted Housing Assistance Program, they found housing, hope, and a future filled with joy and stability.
Resources
HANDBOOK
Targeted Housing Assistance Handbook
A detailed resource that explores the development, execution, and evaluation of Targeted Housing Assistance Programs.
VIDEO SERIES
Garrett Reacts: Cash for Youth Works!
The talented Garrett Mason, youth homelessness expert and PSY consultant, stars in this explainer series about homelessness prevention.
REPORT
THAP 7-State Pilot Program Report
PSY served 345 16-26 year olds at risk of homelessness. 90% of recipients who completed a follow-up survey one month later reported being stably housed.
OUR NETWORK
Thank You To Our Partners & Youth Consultants
We rely on a network of local service providers and youth consultants to make the Targeted Housing Assistance Program a reality. With every new site, we rely on the local wisdom and lived experience of these collaborators to shape and implement each direct cash program, adapting the program according to the specific needs of the youth in that location.