Universal Income Pilot Program Helps Unhoused People Find Homes

During the pandemic, Kevin Adler, founder of Miracle Messages, a program that reunites unhoused people with their loved ones, decided to raise money to pilot a universal basic income project for people experiencing homelessness. Starting in February 2021, participants nominated by members of the community received $500 a month and were paired with a “buddy” from the community for added support. They were required to set up bank accounts and financial advisors were available if needed, but there were no requirements on how they spent the money. The results were very promising, with 35 percent of participants able to secure stable housing with the money. “One thing we should be doing is trusting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of some of the individuals who are experiencing homelessness and what barriers they have already confronted in getting housed and resources,” said Adler.