In a groundbreaking initiative, the Denver Basic Income Project, a non-profit organization, has transformed the lives of hundreds of homeless individuals by providing them with a steady monthly income. Approximately 18 months after the program’s inception, the results are in, revealing dramatic changes in participants’ lives.
The Denver Basic Income Project distributed funds to 807 homeless adults, divided into three groups:
Group A, Received $1,000 per month for a year.
Group B, Received $6,500 upfront and then $500 per month for the remainder of the year, totaling $12,000.
Group C, Received $50 per month for a year.
After about 10 months, the results are astonishing. Approximately 45% of the participants were no longer homeless, having secured their own housing. The project also reported a significant reduction in the use of public services, saving around $589,000. Specifically, for the first two groups, those who received a total of $12,000 over the year, there was a notable increase in the number of individuals with full-time jobs. Additionally, most participants reported feeling better about themselves, being more social, and spending more time outdoors.
Participants shared personal testimonials about how the money improved their lives, highlighting the unconditional nature of the support.
