About Us

Housing Families

YSEP is a Housing Families program. Housing Families works to end family homelessness. They provide safe, temporary shelter and quality affordable housing to homeless and at-risk families. Additionally, they offer individualized supportive services to enrich children’s lives, nurture the potential of each family member, and help families maintain permanent housing.
Together, YSEP students have donated over ​$21,000 in physical products and monetary donations to Housing Families!
A major takeaway...
         "I think that the fact that homeless people are really just people like you and me, trying their best and just going through a rough time in their life."
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  - Fall 2020 YSEP Member, 7th Grader

Allison Wu, YSEP Founder

Allison Wu (she/her) is a graduate of Buckingham Browne & Nichols School and a sophomore at Harvard College. She began working with Housing Families in 2015. At Housing Families EnrichED Program, Allison volunteers to tutor children, help at summer camp, and lead enrichment activities. Allison founded YSEP because she wants to encourage other students to help combat homelessness and other causes they are passionate about. ​

Molly Abrahamson, Housing Families' Associate Director, Individual Giving

Molly Abrahamson (she/her) is Housing Families’ Associate Director, Individual Giving. As a member of the Development team, Molly manages Housing Families’ fundraising and individual giving programs. She began her career in the healthcare nonprofit sector, where she first developed a passion for mission-driven work. Molly received a BS in Professional Writing, with a specialization in Journalism, from Champlain College.

Katie Byers, YSEP Director

​Katie Byers (she/her) is currently a senior at Concord Academy. She has worked closely with the Cradles to Crayons Teen Leadership Corps and her school’s community service programs through various supply drives and fundraising activities. She participated in YSEP's Spring 2022 session. For her service project, she designed and published a webpage, raising awareness for Housing Families’ mission in her school and town community. After having learned from and collaborated with the YSEP team, Katie continues to engage with this program through leading current sessions. 
Asra Nourollahi, YSEP Director​
​Asra Nourollahi (She/Her) is a Junior at Arlington High School. She is a passionate violinist who enjoys tutoring younger musicians and volunteering at local events. Asra is deeply committed to demonstrating leadership and advocacy in the activities in which she participates. She participated in the YSEP Spring session in 2024. For her service project, she organized a small local event where people could gather to enjoy baked goods and Italian ice, listen to live music and learn about Housing Families and their mission. Through this, Asra was able to fundraise for Housing Families and raise awareness about this non-profit. After going through the YSEP session, Asra became deeply interested in supporting the Housing Families organization and YSEP to help them achieve their mission.