Washington: Youth Beyond Basic Care (DCT)

Summary

Launching the Youth Beyond Basic Care Pilot in Washington state presents a unique opportunity to support youth ages 16-26 experiencing homelessness or housing instability, particularly those exiting systems of care and with intersectional identities. The Youth Beyond Care Pilot in Washington state offers a unique chance to help young people between 16 and 26 years old who are facing homelessness or unstable housing. This program is especially focused on assisting those who are leaving systems of care and those Washington youth most in need.

In 2024, the Office of Homeless Youth (OHY) partnered with Point Source Youth (PSY) and System Change Partners to conduct five co-design sessions. These sessions, which included 87 young people from 14 Washington counties, were designed to gather youth perspectives and inform the design and creation of Youth Beyond Care.

Artwork made by Tacoma Co-Design Session Participant

“We are each committed to the creation and thoughtful implementation of innovative programs like DCT in order to house youth and young adults in a way that prioritizes trust, solidarity, and flexibility. We know that the impact of a program like this would be life changing for any young person involved, and we want to make that happen.”