Baltimore youth experiencing homelessness will be eligible to receive thousands of dollars each through a new program.
GreenLight Fund Baltimore, the local arm of a national nonprofit that focuses on inclusive initiatives, invested in youth homelessness nonprofit Point Source Youth to scale its Direct Cash Transfer program to Charm City. Young Baltimoreans will get a one-time $3,000 cash transfer, as well as $1,000 monthly over the course of two years.
“As leaders and members of our community, it is our responsibility to support the young people who are the future of our city. By demonstrating that their struggles are our own, we can provide the guidance and resources needed to ensure their success,” said Mayor Brandon Scott in a news release. “I am proud to support the efforts of the GreenLight Fund and their investment in Baltimore through cash transfer programs, which have been shown to bring financial relief and improve the well-being of recipients.”
Program participants will also get support services to accompany their cash transfers, such as case management and help navigating academic and vocational goals.
To select participants, GreenLight and Point Source Youth will first choose a Baltimore City-based nonprofit to supply the case management services. About 60 young Baltimoreans will participate in the program over the next two years. The program plans to expand its number of participants once it is fully implemented.