Words by Smiley Team
Denver, Colorado, is rolling out a new plan to help people experiencing homelessness, offering monthly cash assistance to people in the city.
Joining other major US cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, Denver is unveiling the Denver Basic Income Project which will give out $12,000 over a year to vulnerable Denver citizens. It’s going to serve as an experiment for future forms of aid.
“Just as important as housing and shelter is a regular source of income for those experiencing homelessness,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “This direct cash assistance will help more than 140 women and families currently in shelters move into stable housing, and provide support, so they can stay housed while opening space in our shelters to serve more people.”
520 people in the city will be receiving the aid, each in different forms to test the most suitable way to roll it out.
The first group of 260 people will get $6,500 upfront and $500 a month for 11 months, the second group of 260 people will receive $1,000 monthly over the course of a year. There’s also a third control group of 300 people receiving $50 dollars a month for the duration of the project.
The money allocated for the plan came from the American Rescue Plan Act, totaling over $2 million in funding. The entire project will cost about $9 million, and people participating in the project are expected to start getting payments in November.
DONATE: To help homelessness in Denver you can donate to the Denver Rescue Mission.
SUPPORT: Look into ways to help homelessness in your community, whether that be in the form of donations or volunteering, everyone can do something to help.
