A Vibrant Space for Community
We were pleased to work closely with Y2Y Harvard Square, the nation’s first youth-led homeless shelter, to help provide a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for young adults aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness. Situated in the basement of First Parish Cambridge, the shelter offers more than just a place to sleep—it serves as a vibrant community hub where youth can access shelter, meals, health care, and supportive services around the clock. The revitalized space provides an inspiring environment in which young people can chart pathways out of homelessness and develop skills for long-term success.
Location
Cambridge, MA
Client
Philips Brooks House Assoc. / Harvard Square Homeless Shelter Youth Housing Initiative
Size / Area
4,275 SF
Units
22 beds
Design That Inspires Hope
We engaged directly with the young people in our design workshops to fully understand their needs, worries, and dreams. The design prioritized their voices and experiences, ensuring a trauma-informed approach that creates a safe and welcoming atmosphere for guests of the shelter. To reflect their needs and aspirations, we designed the space to feel like a modern hostel or college dorm rather than a traditional shelter. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a warm and active lounge adjacent to the kitchen, a space that remains open all night to accommodate those who struggle with sleep. The central gathering area features flexible furnishings and ceiling-mounted light “clouds,” which define spaces for socializing, dining, or larger group meetings.
“It is always incredible to see how a young person’s face lights up when they walk into the beautiful space for the first time. Maybe the most meaningful feedback that we have received was from a young woman staying with us, who wrote ‘thank you for giving me hope again’ as a nod to everyone who made the project possible.”
– Sam Greenburg Y2Y Network; Maria Dominguez Gray Phillips Brooks House Association
Privacy and Safety
A key element of the design is the custom-built sleeping bunks, which balance privacy, safety, and autonomy. Each bunk is equipped with a Plexiglas shutter for personal privacy, lockable storage, individual lighting, and power stations for recharging electronics. In response to feedback from LGBTQ+ youth, the sleeping areas and bathroom facilities are fully gender-neutral, ensuring inclusivity for all guests. The health outpost and support offices are conveniently located along the periphery, offering both accessibility and privacy for services.
Creative Solutions for a Basement Space
Maximizing usability and flexibility in a windowless church basement required creative solutions. Thoughtful lighting design (including the whimsical light “clouds”), vibrant color schemes, and murals bring a sense of warmth and energy to the space, fostering an environment of hope and resilience. The shelter is fully accessible, accommodating diverse needs and ensuring that every guest feels supported.
Empowering Youth with Dignity and Compassion
Before Y2Y Harvard Square, there were only 12 emergency beds for youth in Greater Boston. Today, the shelter provides essential resources and a sense of community for a vulnerable population while empowering its guests and student volunteers to become advocates for youth-driven solutions to homelessness. This innovative project stands as a model for addressing homelessness with dignity, creativity, and compassion.
