How Direct Cash Transfers Work (in 90 seconds)

Direct Cash Transfers (DCT) are a growing global intervention proven to meet the needs of young people remotely, digitally, and efficiently. The way DCT programs for youth work is simple: program staff distributes cash to youth either remotely or safely in person at a frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) that works best for them.

Service providers are able to exercise flexibility in administering DCT programs, which allows for increased bandwidth for higher-touch interventions on the part of program staff, and greater agency for young people. Programs can offer optional support programs with a peer navigator including higher education and career counseling in addition to traditional case management.

Cash transfer programs are more likely to be cost-effective than traditional interventions to youth homelessness while also equipping young people with the resources they need to make the best decisions they’ve determined for their own lives.