A $10 million pilot program in the Inland Empire will give guaranteed income to hundreds of at-risk individuals, no strings attached.
The program is being administered through Inland SoCal United Way and is funded by a grant from the California Department of Social Services and other donors.
Over the span of 18 months, 500 pregnant women will receive $600 per month and 120 former foster youth will receiver $750 per month. The payments will be made in cash and are completely unconditional, program organizers said.
An equal number of people were randomly selected to operate as the control group of the experiment. They will not receive payments, but will receive an undisclosed incentive to help compare results. All participants will receive additional resources and financial stability support.
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Kimberly Starrs, CEO of Inland SoCal United Way, said the pilot program represents a “bold step towards a more equitable future” for residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.