Co-Designing Direct Cash Transfers: A Youth Consultant's Perspective on Tackling Youth Homelessness
Leeze Castro I November, 2024
Leeze Castro shares insights from Washington State’s innovative approach to developing a Direct Cash Transfer program for youth experiencing homelessness.
As a consultant involved in the recent co-design process for a Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) program in Washington State, Leeze Castro had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative power of involving young people with lived experience in program development. This blog post takes you behind the scenes of their co-design journey with partners Point Source Youth and the WA Office of Homeless Youth, highlighting the importance of this approach in addressing youth homelessness and other complex social issues.
The Essence of Co-Design
Co-design is more than just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental shift in how we approach problem-solving. Instead of relying solely on experts or policymakers, co-design brings those most affected by an issue to the table as equal partners in creating solutions. In this case, it meant working closely with young people who have experienced homelessness or housing instability.
Leeze explains the process: “We spent months with youth consultants because…we wanted to do it with everybody involved with so many voices and make sure that we were super intentional every step of the way.”
Building Trust and Breaking Barriers
One of the most crucial aspects of the co-design process was creating a safe and welcoming environment for participants. Leeze emphasizes, “A lot of it was first-off introductions, making sure that everybody was really comfortable, really breaking the ice, and making sure that everybody was informed about… key parts of the process.”
DCT session photo 3
DCT session photo 2
DCT session photo 1
The Power of Creative Expression
A standout feature of the sessions was the use of arts-based facilitation. Leeze notes, “We also got everybody up to speed on arts-based facilitation, how words on paper are not the only way to contribute a thought, how everybody communicates differently, and how having art supplies in this space not only helps people feel more comfortable period but will also help people communicate and convey ideas in a way that they might not be able to with just text alone.”
Challenging Assumptions
Throughout the process, Leeze and the team encountered and challenged several assumptions about youth homelessness. For instance, the idea that young people wouldn’t use cash responsibly was quickly dispelled. Participants clearly understood their needs and how they would allocate resources.
Unexpected Insights
Some of the most valuable insights came from unexpected places. Leeze shares, “In Toppenish, where we focused on engaging Indigenous youth, participants emphasized the importance of serving fewer people with more substantial support rather than spreading resources too thin. This perspective might have been overlooked in a less diverse or inclusive process.”
The Importance of Accessibility
Some of the most valuable insights came from unexpected places. Leeze shares, “In Toppenish, where we focused on engaging Indigenous youth, participants emphasized the importance of serving fewer people with more substantial support rather than spreading resources too thin. This perspective might have been overlooked in a less diverse or inclusive process.”
Lessons for Future Co-Design Efforts
Reflecting on their experience, Leeze offers several key lessons for future co-design initiatives:
- Prioritize diversity and inclusion in every aspect of the process.
- Be flexible and willing to adapt your approach based on participant feedback.
- Invest time in building relationships and trust with community partners.
- Embrace creative and alternative forms of expression.
- Be prepared to challenge your assumptions and those of others involved in the project.
Leeze emphasizes, “Let it be. Don’t try to control too much stuff, or else it’s messy.”
Beyond Youth Homelessness
The principles and practices in this co-design process have applications far beyond addressing youth homelessness. Whether it’s education reform, healthcare policy, or urban planning, involving those most affected by an issue in the solution-finding process can lead to more effective, equitable, and sustainable outcomes.
Conclusion
Co-design is not just a methodology; it’s a mindset that recognizes the expertise of lived experience and the power of collective creativity. Leeze’s co-design work, with their team, in developing a DCT program for youth experiencing homelessness in Washington State demonstrates the profound impact of this approach. By centering the voices of young people and creating space for genuine collaboration, they’ve designed a more responsive program and empowered a generation to be active participants in shaping their futures.
As we progress, let’s continue championing co-design as a vital tool in addressing complex social challenges. The insights, energy, and innovation that emerge when we truly engage with those most affected by an issue are invaluable. It’s time to recognize that the solutions to our most pressing problems often lie in the hands of those who have lived them.
– Leeze Castro