300+ families to receive $500 direct payment in 9 days as part of stimulus update.

Pathway to Income Equity Program Sends Second Payment to 305 Families in Sonoma County

Helping Impoverished Families Affected by the Pandemic

The Pathway to Income Equity pilot program is set to send its second payment of $500 to 305 families in Sonoma County, California, in just nine days. The program received 6,450 applications and selected families based on eligibility criteria, including having at least one child under six years old, being affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and having a household income no more than 185% above the federal poverty level.

The program is partially an experiment to see how guaranteed income affects impoverished families. Supervisor Chris Coursey, the chairman of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, said, “These payments will help families with young children who are often struggling under the double burden of the high costs of housing and child care — typically the two highest household expenses. The information we gain from this pilot program will help shape future efforts to improve the health and welfare of our community.”

Defending the Program Against Criticisms

Angie Dillon-Shore, the executive director of First 5 Sonoma County, an independent public agency focused on early childhood development, defended the program as essential to fighting familial poverty and preempted criticisms that it may incentivize laziness. She said, “The idea that giving people cash is a disincentive to work is a myth. Most of our selected recipients are already working, many working more than one job or more than 40 hours a week just to survive. This extra income will allow them to spend more time with their families, find a better job, or improve their financial well-being, resulting in better outcomes for their kids.”

Evaluating the Program’s Impact

The group is using an external evaluator to conduct qualitative research, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, with the participants over two years. They plan to publish a preliminary report in spring 2024 and a final report in early 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for the Program

To be eligible for the Pathway to Income Equity pilot program, applicants must have at least one child under six years old, be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and have a household income no more than 185% above the federal poverty level.

Benefits of the Program

The program provides a guaranteed income of $500 per month to selected families, helping them with the high costs of housing and child care. The extra income allows families to spend more time together, find better jobs, or improve their financial well-being, resulting in better outcomes for their children.

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