US County Launches Two-Year Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, Plans To Hand Out $504,000 for Free With No Strings Attached
Columbia County in the United States is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative by launching a guaranteed income pilot program. This program will allocate a total of $504,000 to support low-income residents in the area. The initiative is a collaboration between two nonprofits, namely Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) and Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood (GHPN). Together, they have committed to providing $500 per month to single parents or caregivers of children aged six and younger who are residing in New York’s Columbia County.
The primary goal of this two-year pilot program is to enhance the financial stability of 42 selected participants, with two individuals chosen from each of Columbia County’s 21 towns. The partners believe that offering direct, unconditional financial support can have a significant positive impact, especially for single mothers and their children. Research has consistently shown that guaranteed income programs lead to improved outcomes for single-parent households, resulting in healthier, happier children who are better prepared for school and life in general.
Residents interested in participating in the program can enter a lottery system until the deadline on July 1st. To be eligible, individuals must have household incomes below 80% of the 2025 Area Median Income (AMI) for Columbia County, which equates to $72,150 for a single parent with a child. The initiative aims to address the struggles faced by many families in Columbia County, particularly single-caregiver households with young children.
According to BTCF, there are 259 households in Columbia County led by single mothers living below the poverty line, and over 700 households receive SNAP benefits. The median income for single-mother households is significantly lower compared to married-couple families, creating an income gap that limits opportunities for children in these households. The rising costs of housing and child care further compound the financial challenges faced by working families in the area.
By providing a guaranteed income to selected participants, the pilot program seeks to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by low-income residents in Columbia County. This initiative represents a proactive step towards addressing economic disparities and supporting vulnerable populations in the community. Stay updated on this program and other related news by following us on X, Facebook, and Telegram. Subscribe to receive email alerts directly to your inbox and explore the latest price action updates on The Daily Hodl Mix.
Image Credit: Midjourney
