Unconditional Cash Transfer
The big question / How might we...?
How might we address the harms of systemic racism and poverty on Black, Indigenous and other communities of color that were exacerbated during the pandemic in a way that allows affected households to retain their agency around meeting their most pressing financial needs?
Type (project or consultation):
Project
When:
January 2021 to present
Process/what we did:
For the last three years, the Department of County Human Services (DCHS) has provided direct cash payments to County clients, as well as those who access services and supports through several of the County’s nonprofit partners. The Unconditional Cash Transfer program generally provides eligible households with $500 gift cards, distributed without instruction or restriction as to their use by an individual or family. The number of participants across DCHS divisions and systems of care has grown each year.
Outcome/Impact:
The Board of County Commissioners approved an allocation of approximately $5 million in the fiscal year 2023 budget to be invested in predominantly BIPOC individuals and families across all DCHS systems of care and populations. More than $15 million has been distributed through the Unconditional Cash Transfer program since fiscal year 2021.
