Philadelphia has joined the national guaranteed basic income wave β with a focus on pregnant people and families experiencing housing insecurity. The city, along with local philanthropists and foundations , hope that no-strings-attached cash through the pilots can help alleviate rates of homelessness, childhood poverty, and maternal and infant mortality. And, per the city's annual point-in-time count , about 1, families with children were experiencing homelessness or living in shelters in The guaranteed basic income model typically gives low-income participants cash payments for a set time period.
Participants can spend the money however they choose and Business Insider has spoken with individuals who used their money to pay rent , buy groceries, pay down debt, afford healthcare , and support their children.
GBI programs have been tried over times across America as an approach to poverty reduction. Still, results from GBI pilots often reflect participants' short-term, self-reported experiences. It's not yet clear how much guaranteed income will affect participants' financial stability after their payments end, and not all policymakers agree that it is a sustainable approach to poverty reduction.
In addition to cash payments , participants will have access to free doula care, lactation support, and financial counseling. Pilot leaders began accepting rolling applications on June 24, and will choose eligible participants in a randomized lottery until all available spots are filled. To be eligible, individuals must be between 12 and 24 weeks pregnant and live in the Nicetown-Tioga, Strawberry Mansion, or Cobbs Creek areas of Philadelphia.
The pilot was developed by the Philadelphia Community Action Network: a group of parents, health professionals, researchers, and policymakers. It is a partnership between the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and the Philadelphia City Fund β with funding coming from the city and various foundations. Coaxum said the goal of Philly Joy Bank is to support new families and mitigate Philadelphia's high infant mortality rate.
