In response, some states and cities, often with help from charity groups, are trying a new idea: giving money directly to people who don't have stable housing or are homeless. These payments are part of what's called guaranteed income programs.
What are Guaranteed Income Programs?
Unlike some other ideas that give everyone the same amount of money, guaranteed income programs give money to people who really need it because they're struggling with housing or have low incomes.
People in these programs get a certain amount of money each month, usually between $500 and $1,000. Over 150 programs in the country are now putting this idea into action, focusing especially on helping people and families without homes or who are close to losing their homes.
Early results from these programs are promising, showing that getting this cash can really help people meet their basic needs.
When Did Guaranteed Income Programs Start?
This approach isn't entirely new. Back in the 1960s and 70s, various groups and activists advocated for something similar as a way to address unfairness in society that kept certain groups of people in poverty.
While guaranteed income alone can't solve all these deep-seated issues, it offers a way to begin fixing some of the harm caused by long-term discrimination in our systems and policies.
Benefits of Guaranteed Income
Guaranteed income is gaining interest because it offers a flexible way for people to pay for what they need, reduces the hassle of getting help from government programs, counters discrimination in assistance programs, and ensures people who need help can get it.
It recognizes that many people struggle to afford basic needs despite working or receiving public benefits, often due to factors beyond their control like racism in the job market or discrimination against certain communities.
Examples and Outcomes
Examples of guaranteed income programs include a five-year pilot in California called "It All Adds Up", which gives $1,000 a month for a year to 225 families coming out of homelessness.In Massachusetts, the "Somerville GI Pilot" gives $750 a month for a year to 200 families stressed by high housing costs. In New York City, a program helps 100 families living in shelters with $1,400 each month for two years to cover their needs.
Policy Recommendations and the Way Forward
The successes of these programs suggest ways to improve other support programs. For example, revising cash aid programs like TANF and SSI to make them easier to access and provide higher benefits could help older adults, people with disabilities, and families with children.
Also, expanding rental assistance and finding new ways to deliver it, such as directly to tenants, could make it easier for families to find stable housing.
Check out: 15 Cities Where It's Still Affordable to Rent
Conclusion
Boosting cash support, increasing rental assistance, and simplifying the process to get help are important steps towards a future where everyone can have the dignity of stable housing, fairness, and a chance to succeed.
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