New York City– New York City is set to allocate funds for a guaranteed income initiative aimed at assisting expectant mothers facing housing instability.
The New York City Council has approved a funding allocation of $1.5 million to back The Bridge Project, a nonprofit organization that runs a guaranteed income initiative for expectant mothers.
The financial support will enable The Bridge Project to offer consistent income aid to 161 expectant mothers facing housing instability. The initiative focuses on enhancing maternal health and alleviating child poverty.
“This is an important step towards reducing the economic stressors that threaten maternal health and empowering low-income mothers to secure pathways to stability and security,” New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said in a statement.
A total of 161 women involved in the initiative will be granted financial support throughout the initial three years of their children’s lives.
The women are set to receive an initial payment of $2,500, followed by monthly disbursements of $1,000 for the first 15 months, and then $500 for the remaining 21 months of the program.
This marks a historic moment as municipal funding is allocated for a guaranteed income initiative, as reported by the New York City Council.
“Two years ago, I introduced legislation to authorize the city to create a pilot program to provide direct cash assistance for low-income families struggling with housing instability, homelessness, and other challenges tied to financial insecurity. I am deeply grateful to Speaker Adams for her leadership and commitment in making the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program a reality,” New York City Council member Crystal Hudson said in a statement.