Discover our research framework or check out
the full metrics list
This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.
DCT Program Serves High Percentage of Youth
- Anti-oppressive
- Income
The DCT program serves a large percentage of eligible youth relative to the youth homelessness population
Direct cash transfers are simple – no strings attached cash payments to young people in need. Many programs have optional supportive services and most programs are designed in consultation with unhoused youth and young adults. However, while the concept is simple, there are many complex considerations in designing these programs to ensure that DCT payments do not create a tax liability or cause young people to lose access to public benefits.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | Transformative | DCT program is large scale and serves a significant proportion of eligible youth relative to youth homelessness population | |
| 1.5 | Transformative Edge | DCT program is moderate scale relative to eligible youth and need | |
| 1.0 | Reform | DCT program is small scale relative to eligible youth and need | |
| 0.5 | Harm Reduction | DCT program is a pilot program serving a very small number of youth | |
| 0.0 | Status Quo | No law found | |
| No data |
Suggested Citation: National Homelessness Law Center, "Youth Homelessness Index, DCT Program Serves High Percentage of Youth" https://youthhomelessnessindex.org/maps/dct-program-serves-most-youth/ (last visited March 3, 2026)
- DCT Program for Youth
- DCT Program Permanency
- DCT Program Funding
- DCT Amount
- DCT Program Duration
- DCT Program Outreach
- DCT Program Supports
- DCT Program and Benefits
- DCT Program Evaluation
Explore Related Metrics
Income
Until we can finally realize an economic system that isn’t based on exploitation, access to income is a necessary part of survival for young people. Approximately 12% of children ages 14 to 17 and 20% of young adults ages 18 to 24 live in households earning or receiving less than $14,000 per year. With the average rent in United States completely out of reach for anyone below the poverty line, it is not surprising that individuals ages 18 to 25 endure the highest rates of homelessness and housing insecurity than any other age group; 1 in 10 report couch surfing or another form of homelessness at some point each year.
The United States has almost no social safety net for young adults (and a completely inadequate one for families with children or people with disabilities). There is a growing consensus, however, that the solution isn’t to create more bureaucratic programs with complicated eligibility rules but rather to directly transfer cash to the people who would benefit most and trust them to spend it on what they need.
Model Statutes:
Anti-oppressive
(racism, ableism, anti-trans/queerness, etc.)
Anti-oppression is an essential component of creating a just and equitable society. It is crucial to acknowledge the systemic oppression faced by marginalized communities, including racism, ableism, anti-trans/queerness, and other forms of oppression. In the context of housing, these oppressions manifest in various ways, such as discriminatory rental practices, inaccessible housing for people with disabilities, and harassment and violence against marginalized communities.
To combat these injustices, it is essential to implement anti-oppressive policies and practices in the housing sector. This includes creating inclusive housing policies that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities, providing accessible housing for people with disabilities, and addressing discrimination and harassment through legal measures. By prioritizing anti-oppression in housing, we can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing, regardless of their identity or background.
“Black women in America have additional stereotypes applied to us. When I apply for things my name signals whiteness but then my voice and physical appearance result in different treatment. This is straight up systemic racism. It discourages people from bringing their full self to situations due to systemic biases about Black people. People in services that don’t have lived experience often treat those seeking services poorly because they don’t understand our issues.” – Jennifer Myers
Model Statutes:
These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.
