The city of Boston has a new temporary shelter for young adults ages 18-24. The Youth 2 Youth (Y2Y) shelter services young adults who have aged out of youth services programs, but are in need of temporary housing. The Y2Y co-directors and co-founders are 23-year-old Sam Greenberg, and Sarah Rosenkrantz. Greenberg believes, they “have an obligation to ensure that [their] peers are safe, warm, welcomed and supported.”
Operating out of Harvard Square’s First Parish church, Y2Y was renovated for $1.3 million from donations, foundations, and grants. With the transformation came a brightly colored shelter that resembles a cool-looking youth hostel. They are able to house 22 young adults at a time.
Just as cool, making Y2Y different from other shelters, is the fact that the shelter is completely run by young adults. Of Y2Y staff, almost all are volunteers and many are Harvard students. Staff do everything from notifying prospective clients that they’ve secured a space, through the shelter’s lottery system, to offering case management. Those lucky enough to snag a spot can stay for up to 30 days. The shelter also offers a variety of workshops and classes.
Y 2 Y offers has a youth advisory board made up of young people who have experienced homelessness or are presently homeless. The advisory staff work out policies addressing shelter criteria including previous use of drugs and alcohol, and whether pets can be lodged.
This type of program can make a world of difference in the lives of young adults. Safety is always an issue because young adults are vulnerable if they are living on the streets. Knowing that a safe space like Y2Y exists will be a lifeline for many.
While Y2Y only has 22 beds it is off to a great start in helping those in need. The stigma of homelessness dissipates with efforts like Y2Y.
