Harris County, Texas, is exploring a guaranteed income scheme that would provide monthly $500 checks to low-income households.
If approved, the Uplift Harris initiative would cost an estimated $20.5 million.
The program’s recipients would be chosen at random from the county’s lowest-income zip areas. The initiative would be funded through federal COVID-19 relief monies.
The initiative is being proposed by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and County Judge Lina Hidalgo. They claim that the program will aid in addressing poverty and inequality in the county.
What Exactly Is Uplift Harris?
Uplift Harris is a trial program that will distribute $500 cash rewards to up to 1,500 participating households each month for 18 months.
The program is intended to assist low-income families in meeting basic needs such as rent, food, utilities, transportation, and child care.
The initiative will also assess how cash payments affect users’ well-being, job, education, health, and financial stability.
Who Is Eligible for Program?
To be qualified for the program, you must either live in a high-poverty zip code or participate in Harris County Public Health’s ACCESS program. Sunnyside, Gulfton, and Galena Park are examples of high-poverty communities.
Participants will be chosen at random from among those homes.
To qualify, families must earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty threshold, which is approximately $60,000 for a family of four or $29,000 for an individual. The program could begin as early as September 2023.
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How to Apply for the Uplift Harris Program?
A third-party agency will manage the program, choosing and enrolling participants, distributing cash payouts, and collecting data for evaluation.
The agency will also offer support services and direct participants to other resources. Once chosen, the agency will release the application process and eligibility requirements.
Households interested in applying should go to https://countiesforaguaranteedincome.org/ as well as the Uplift Harris website.
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