Columbus plans to invest $2.5 million to help qualifying residents with financial costs

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) – Columbus officials are preparing to launch a program that aims to boost the economic well-being of qualifying residents through direct monthly payments of $500.

During the two-year pilot initiative called the “Economic Mobility Accelerator Program,” the city plans to invest $2.5 million toward monthly cash payments of $500 for up to 200 households. Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin recently announced the program; however, the funding still needs to be approved by the Council.

To qualify, Columbus citizens must be employed and make more than the poverty level but less than central Ohio’s cost of living — this amounts to about more than $15,000 but less than $30,000 annually for a one-person household. Those in the program may spend the monthly payments at their discretion, with the cash intended to help with expenses such as housing, health care, childcare, or transportation.

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