REPORTING THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE Y2Y HARVARD SQUARE HOMELESS SHELTER FOR YOUNG ADULTS

April 2, 2020

This is a frightening time for everyone, especially for people experiencing homelessness and even more so for young adults with nowhere else to turn.

In the best of times, at least 600 young adults in greater Boston don’t know where they are going to sleep on a given night. Our guests tell us that if not for Y2Y Harvard Square, 27% would stay outside and another 21% of our guests don’t know where they would stay without Y2Y.

Thus, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that have enabled us to continue hosting these young adults, our friends, and neighbors, even as Greater Boston has essentially shut down. For the foreseeable future, Y2Y Harvard Square, the student-run overnight shelter program, will remain open and serving a full complement of guests each night.

Despite a mandated exodus from campus of many student volunteers last month, we have managed to stay true to our student-led, youth-to-youth sanctuary and service model. We have also been blessed with a calm, cohesive, communal spirit among guests and staff that has revealed the best of humanity in this moment of crisis.

In particular, we wish to thank students, staff, alumni, medical professionals, donors and guests who have helped us maintain the safest conditions possible amid a serious pandemic. Our entire shelter community, while focusing on safety and social distancing, has worked to carry out a mission that provides a truly essential service.

We hear many comments like those of 19-year-old Terrelle, who said, “I don’t trust many people, but I trust Y2Y. I’m glad y’all are still open.”

This moment in history is not only stressful for many, it’s clarifying for all. We are grateful to those who have collaborated with us in this period of the unknown. In addition to changing us all for the better, our collective work is providing lifesaving service to those who would otherwise be in great distress. As we have learned so many times, none of us can do this alone.

Which means we need you. If you’d like to be part of our mission, please consider contributing to our Emergency Fund and supporting policy to help those in need.

With deep gratitude,
Cameron Van Fossen, Executive Director, Y2Y Network
Maria Dominguez Gray, Class of 1955 Executive Director, PBHA
Rev. Adam Lawrence Dyer, Lead Minister, First Parish in Cambridge

We are tremendously grateful for all our fellow service providers:
• Boston Healthcare for the Homeless
• Cambridge Continuum of Care
• The City of Cambridge & Cambridge Public Health Department
• First Church in Cambridge Congregational, UCC
• First Parish in Cambridge Unitarian Universalist
• Generous Donors to Y2Y
• Harvard College Staff & Alumni
• Harvard Square Business Association
• Liberty Mutual Foundation • Oak Foundation
• Phillips Brooks House Association
• Phillips Brooks House Association Alumni
• Youth on Fire
• Y2Y Alumni
• Y2Y Harvard Square Student Staff