Photo: Maitree Rimthong/Pexels
In 2022, the District of Columbia government offered 132 new and expecting low-income mothers living in three of its poorest neighborhoods $10,800 over a year — no strings attached. Facilitated by the nonprofit Martha's Table, the $1.5 million Strong Families, Strong Futures pilot was based on similar successful cash-transfer pilots that have been modeled in at least 100 US jurisdictions. During the pandemic, Martha's Table led the THRIVE East of the River partnership, one of the largest cash assistance programs in the US. All 132 mothers had to choose if they wanted monthly payments or a lump sum. About 75% chose the lump sum. Program coordinators say the moms spent most of their funds on needs such as housing, food and transportation, and to build up cash savings for the future. Last summer, the D.C. Council voted to extend Strong Families, Strong Futures for another year.
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