Photo: Micheile Henderson | Unsplash
In 2023, Oregon started a pilot program called Direct Cash Transfer Plus. It is targeted at homeless youth and offers them $1,000/month for two years. Additionally, the young people have access to a one-time $3,000 “enrichment fund.” Participants can spend the money any way they want; the only requirement is that they confirm they receive the money each month. Youth participating in the anti-poverty program say the extra money has helped them meet basic needs and many say it’s helping them realize a better future for themselves. Early research shows that when given the no-strings cash, people mostly spend the money on services and food; studies also have shown an increase in mental well-being for participants. Baseline data shows that nearly two-thirds of the youth participants in the program have been housed since the beginning of the pilot.
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