Point Source Youth

In physics, a “point source” is the brightest source of light. When Larry Cohen and Colin McSwiggen co-founded Point Source Youth, they believed young people are that light—our brightest source of hope, strength, and solutions. Because our communities can only thrive when every young person’s basic needs are met. Ten years later, that belief still guides us. We’ve honed our focus to what works best: direct cash transfers + tailored supportive services—the most scalable, effective, and cost-efficient way to end and prevent youth homelessness. Now, we’re laser-focused on expanding these programs so every young person who needs support can access it.

The systems of power around young people don’t ask them what they need. At Point Source Youth, that’s the first question we ask. Growing up, PSY co-founder Larry Cohen and his brother weren’t asked what he needed when he was bullied at school or faced abuse at home. The results were calamitous. He vowed this organization would upend that model. Because when you give young people the power and resources to define their own future, they thrive. Ten years in, we’re still fighting to make sure every young person has that chance.

Family conflict is the leading driver of youth homelessness — but strong, supported families can change that. Join us for a powerful webinar with Cocoon House, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, and Waypoint NH to learn how community-based programs are helping young people and caregivers strengthen relationships and prevent homelessness together. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dV_qZm2Q

After ten years, we’ve figured out what works. The most effective, dignified solution to end youth homelessness is also the simplest: direct cash transfers. Ask young people what they need. Fund their housing plan. Resource them directly with cash + other supports like housing navigation or help budgeting. Now we need funders and governments alike to scale it—so every young person has the safety and stability they deserve.

Ten years ago, in the wake of a momentous Supreme Court win for the marriage equality movement, Larry Cohen, Colin McSwiggen, and Ronald Johnson saw a gap — the fight for rights needed to be matched by the fight for economic justice for LGBTQ youth who are disproportionately impacted by homelessness. They founded Point Source Youth with a bold idea: trust young people, and resource them directly. Ronald brought decades of LGBTQ youth and HIV advocacy. Colin brought a physicist’s problem solving and brilliance and passion for justice. Larry brought a vision — that ending youth homelessness is possible when we center young people’s power. They began with Host Homes, Rapid Rehousing, and Family Strengthening — all designed to keep youth housed, stable, and connected. A decade later, we know what works: direct cash and support. It’s the most scalable, cost-effective way to prevent and end youth homelessness. Now, we’re focused on making sure these programs are funded nationwide — by private funders and government alike. Join us. Sign up for our newsletter and help us fund what works.

Ten years ago, Larry Cohen co-founded Point Source Youth. We’ve gotten older. The mission hasn’t. We still believe what we did then: ending youth homelessness starts with resourcing and supporting young people directly. Today, our focus is sharper and our evidence is stronger. The data is clear — direct cash transfers work. They’re the most cost-effective and efficient way to end and prevent and end youth homelessness. As we mark ten years, we’re doubling down — scaling these programs nationwide and pushing policymakers to fund what works.

"This is a model that works. It works consistently across different cities, across different types of regions, and across different types of populations," said Marie Groark, Managing Director at the Schultz Family Foundation at our Austin press conference where we released 12-month data from our direct financial assistance program to prevent youth homelessness.

Last week's Austin press conference — where we released the 12-month data from our pilot — made two things clear: (1) Direct financial assistance prevents youth homelessness, and (2) None of this work is possible without our partners, funders, and the young people who lead the way. Thank you to Lifeworks, who hosted the press conference and ran the Austin pilot delivering one-time financial assistance and tailored support to young people facing an imminent housing crisis. A huge thank you to the Schultz Family Foundation, whose funding and long-term commitment have nurtured this work from its earliest days and expanded it nationwide. And, of course, thank you to the youth participants like Valeria Mendoza, PSY youth consultant, whose leadership in advocating for this program has been invaluable.

A reminder that our webinar “Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Youth Homelessness at the Intersection of Housing and the Criminal Legal System” is happening this week — November 20 at 3 PM ET. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time: https://lnkd.in/dtC2HEa4

“Youth homelessness isn’t always visible.” Valeria Mendoza, PSY Youth Consultant, shared her story at our press conference with LifeWorks Austin, shedding light on the hidden realities of youth homelessness: couch surfing, staying with friends or relatives, and constantly worrying about where to sleep next. There is a solution: direct cash transfers to prevent youth homelessness. New data shows that 85% were still stably housed a year after receiving the one-time cash transfer. We need to scale this program nationwide.