California has launched two state-funded Guaranteed Income pilot programs to help former foster youth. These two pilots will give 150 beneficiaries $1,000 in Ventura County and $1,200 per month in San Francisco.
The state of California has begun the first two state-funded Guaranteed Income pilot programs focused on former foster youth. These programs, administered through the Department of Social Services, will offer regular cash payments with no strings attached to challenge poverty, promote equity, and meet the basic needs of beneficiaries.
Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Guaranteed income programs will help level the playing field and give these former foster youth the support and resources they need to pursue their California dream.”
PILOT PROGRAM DETAILS
The state awarded $3,439,090 to the City and County of San Francisco to provide 150 former foster youth with $1,200 per month for 18 months.
The Ventura County Human Services Agency received $1,538,758 to provide 150 former foster youth with $1,000 per month for 18 months.
Recipients can also receive benefits counseling to determine the impact of guaranteed income payments on their eligibility for various public benefits.
IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY
Susie Smith, Deputy Director of Policy, Planning and Public Affairs at the San Francisco Human Services Agency, said: “The City and County of San Francisco is honored to be one of two public entities in California to receive this state grant. our pilot project for formerly supervised youth exiting our foster care system. Transitioning from the foster care system can be very challenging for many of our youth, and this continues to be an unconditional income within in 18 months will help youth who are “entangled in the system to pursue their hopes and dreams. Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty and develop a fairer future for what was once viewed as a youth.”
Melissa Livingston, Director of the Ventura County Human Services Agency, commented: “This is a unique opportunity to break the cycle of poverty experienced by many young adults exiting the foster care system. This investment is not just an investment. their future, but also the whole community.
BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESS
These pilot programs build on the success and lessons learned from previous guaranteed pilot projects, including an effort launched in Stockton, California. The Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration enabled recipients to find full-time employment, reduced income volatility, and resulted in reduced depression and anxiety among recipients.
Michael Tubbs, Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity, and Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, says: “About 4.5 million Californians live below the poverty line, not because of personal failures , but because of political choices. It’s time. to end poverty in our state, and California’s Guaranteed Income Pilot Program is a critical step in getting there. We saw the first guaranteed income program led by the mayor I lead in Stockton that guaranteed income is effective for increasing financial stability, mental and physical health, parent-child relationships, and people’s ability to pursue goals. I’m excited to see the results replicated as the first payments from the Department of Social Services’ pilot program begin to be delivered in Ventura and San Francisco.”
