Harvard grads prepare to launch young adult homeless shelter

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) -- Two Harvard graduates are preparing to open what they say is the nation's first student-run homeless shelter for young adults.

The Y2Y Harvard Square shelter, located at First Parish Church near Harvard University, plans to open in December to serve the area's homeless population between ages 18 and 24.

Organizers and politicians gathered in Cambridge on Friday thanked companies and groups backing the project. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a former Harvard Law School professor, said the shelter will help young adults get back on their feet to pursue education and work.

Students launching the shelter said they hope it becomes a model for efforts elsewhere. The shelter has 22 beds. Visitors will be able to get health services, and students will volunteer to help them find ways out of homelessness.

Cox Media Group