Y2Y Shelter

Y2Y Harvard Square is the country’s first overnight shelter created for young people (ages 18-24), by young people. Y2Y provides 30-day stays via a randomized lottery system. Guests are provided with food, laundry, showers, internet, and medical, legal, and job search services intended to get them back on their feet. Typically, the general public -- individuals and small groups -- are invited to volunteer during Harvard University holidays, when they cover shifts that are normally covered by students. Note: The Harvard student-run shelter for adult men, Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, has similar volunteer options.

Volunteer activities have included:

• Preparing/distributing meals from their commercial kitchen

• Cleaning/laundry/maintenance

• Picking up in-kind donations of food or other goods from nearby vendors