Y2Y Network
Model & Strategy
Y2Y’s vision is to create a network of communities where all young adults experiencing homelessness have a safe place to rest, grow and lead. Y2Y Harvard Square is a student-run overnight shelter, quickly getting young adults experiencing homelessness off the street to prevent trauma.
Y2Y guests are given the space and support during their 30-day stay to identify concrete pathways out of homelessness, and take steps along that path. They have opportunities to collaborate with service providers, other young adults experiencing homelessness, and student volunteers to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness and develop skills for long-term success.
Sam and Sarah met while students working at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter (HSHS), where they served on staff. Before college, each had developed a passion for issues of housing and homelessness. At Y2Y, Sam and Sarah have built a wide, diverse and passionate community of supporters, including key political figures from Boston and Cambridge and a wide volunteer base. They graduated in May 2014 from Harvard and were recently part of the 2015 Bostonians of the Year Honorable Mentions list by the Boston Globe Magazine. In 2017, they were part of the Forbes 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneur class.
In February 2020, Y2Y Network welcomed new Executive Director Cameron Van Fossen, who brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and commitment to ending youth homelessness.
IMPACT
Y2Y’s vision is to create a network of communities where all young adults experiencing homelessness have a safe place to rest, grow, and lead. Last season, 81% of guests reported feeling safe during their stay, 89% of guests would recommend to a friend, and 70% of guests reported leaving Y2Y with a concrete plan for their pathway out of homelessness.
Y2Y Harvard Square has served over 500 young adults experiencing homelessness in Cambridge, MA.
Y2Y Harvard Square offers guests medical and mental healthcare through their onsite clinic partnership, legal aid, and job readiness.
Y2Y Network News
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A Second Chance for Fathers to Connect With Their KidsAn estimated 10 million children in the United States see their fathers less than once a month. Research tells us what happens to boys and…Jun 2022 -
Forbes 30 Under 30 in Social Entrepreneurship: Y2Y Co-Founders Sam and SarahSam Greenberg and Sarah Rosenkrantz, co-founders of Y2Y Harvard Square, were named to the 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 in for social entrepreneurship. At Y2Y,…Jan 2017 -
Y2Y Youth Homeless Shelter Celebrates Upcoming OpeningThe Y2Y Harvard Square shelter, now set to open to young adults between the ages 18 and 24 in late December, looks to serve as…Nov 2015
