top of page
Y2Y Harvard Square.png

ABOUT US

At Y2Y Harvard Square, the nation’s first youth-led youth homeless shelter. Y2Y HSQ guests collaborate with service providers, other youth experiencing homelessness, and student volunteers to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness and develop skills for long-term success. Our shelter has 22 beds, which make up about 1/2 of the youth-specific shelter beds in the Greater Boston Area. Y2Y Harvard Square provides opportunities for both guests and student volunteers to become the next generation’s leading advocates for youth-driven solutions to homelessness.

​

​

Y2Y Harvard Square is currently closed. We will re-open on October 15, 2023.

​

GET A BED AT Y2Y HARVARD SQUARE

Y2Y Harvard Square is a shelter for young adults (18-24) experiencing homelessness.

During our summer season, we have 22 beds available for young adults. A young person with a bed will be able to stay with us for the entire duration of our summer season (6/10 - 8/10). Beds will be assigned via a randomized electronic lottery, which will take place on June 10. After that, young adults may enter our waitlist to be considered for any beds that become available during the summer. To enter our waitlist, please fill out this form.  

 

For service providers: Service providers, teachers, lawyers, or any other adult who has a professional relationship with a young person in need of a place to stay may enter the waitlist entry form on their behalf with the consent of the waitlist applicant.

 

In order to best protect Y2Y guests and staff against COVID-19, Y2Y will not provide one-night stays this summer. All beds will be used for long-term stays.

​

Y2Y COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS

  • Doors open at 7:00 p.m.​

  • NO drugs or alcohol in the space

  • Security check and COVID-19 screening at the door; no weapons are allowed in the space

  • Masks required

  • Proof of age is required 

Y2Y RESOURCES

  • 22 beds

  • Washers and Dryers

  • Showers

  • Clothing and toiletries 

  • Storage

  • Computers and internet

  • Dinner, breakfast and snacks 

  • LGBQT+ inclusive

  • Accessible for guests of all abilities

Y2Y SERVICES

  • Resource Navigation

  • Legal services

  • Medical care

  • Mental health clinicians 

  • Drop-in service providers 

  • Referrals to other service providers 

  • Resume help and job search support 

  • Leadership and advocacy opportunities 

Volunteer making meals.jpg

Y2Y is a really beautiful, unique, and inclusive community that emphasizes the importance of building trusting relationships and connections. I will hold the values and relationships I formed at Y2Y close to me throughout the rest of my career, and I plan to continue serving people experiencing homelessness after I graduate.

Y2Y HSQ Student Staff Member

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

  • Arrive before 4pm, beds at the door

  • 60-night beds available

  • See Y2Y Case Manager for more details

  • Men only, wet

  • MBTA: Andrew Station or #1 bus from Harvard

  • (Nov. 1 – Apr. 15)

  • 66 Winthrop St., Cambridge

  • 617-547-2841

  • 7:30 p.m. – 8 a.m. Lottery for 14-day beds; 9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. for single night beds

  • Men and women, dry

  • MBTA: Harvard Square

  • Takeaway dinners at the door from 7:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

  • Roxbury, MA

  • 617-267-3700

  • Ages 18 to 25 only

112 SOUTHAMPTON ST.
SHELTER

HARVARD SQUARE
HOMELESS SHELTER

LIBERTY VILLAGE

  • 47 West Street, Boston

  • 617-423-9575

  • Sign up by 3:00 p.m. 

  • Ages 18 – 24 only

  • MBTA: Park Street Station

  • 617-892-9100 

  • Wet

  • Arrive before 3:00 p.m. for lottery at the door

  • Men’s Inn: 444 Harrison Ave, Boston

    • MBTA: Broadway, or #9 or #11 bus from Broadway

  • Women’s Inn: 363 Albany Ave, Boston

    • MBTA: Broadway

  • 794 Mass Ave, Boston

  • MBTA: #1 bus from Harvard

  • 617-534-7100

  • Arrive before 4:00 p.m., beds at the door

  • Women only

  • Wet

BRIDGE OVER
TROUBLED WATERS

PINE STREET INN

WOODS MULLEN SHELTER

CASPAR SHELTER

  • 240 Albany Street, Cambridge

  • 617-661-0600

  • MBTA: #1 bus from Central Square or Harvard Square

  • Beds given at the door

  • Wet

ROSIE'S PLACE

  • 889 Harrison Ave, Boston

  • 617-442-9322

  • MBTA: #47 from Central Square or Silver Line (Washington St. and Lenox St.

  • Call 8:00 a.m. M-F for the bed lottery

  • Women only

  • Dry

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

  • 130 Boylston St, Boston

  • 617-457-8140

  • MBTA: Boylston Street (Green Line)

  • Mon-Fri: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

  • Drop-In: Mon & Fri: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

  • Urgent Care Center 660 Broadway, Somerville

  • 800-981-4357 (call prior to visit)

  • MBTA: Davis Square

  • Walk-ins: 7:00 a.m. –11:00 p.m. M-F; 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekends.

  • Mobile crisis teams (a separate team for young adults under 21)

  • 362 Green Street, Cambridge

  • Call 617-349-6340 for an appointment

  • MBTA: Central Square

  • New client walk-in hours: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F

SIDNEY BORUM

BEST/CSEPS

CAMBRIDGE MULTI-SERVICE CENTER

CAMBRIDGE HEALTHCARE FOR THE HOMELESS (SALVATION ARMY)

  • 402 Mass Ave, Cambridge

  • T access: Central Square

  • Hours

    • Mon: 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.​

    • Tues: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

    • Wed: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (women)

    • Thurs: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS

  • 47 West St, Boston, MA 02111

  • 617-423-9575

  • MBTA: Park Street

  • M-F 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Young adults 14-24

  • Offers numerous day-time services including appointments with licensed clinical counselors

bottom of page