WCAC Launches Pioneering Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot with $250,000 ARPA Fund from the City of Worcester
In a major boost to combat economic instability, the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) has been awarded $250,000 from the City of Worcester’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This funding is pivotal in launching a transformative Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot program aimed at fostering economic independence and stability among low-income families in our community.
Over the next two years, WCAC will provide a guaranteed monthly income to 52 selected families, enabling them to manage income volatility and pursue self-determined goals toward financial empowerment. This initiative not only supports families in bridging wage gaps as they explore new career paths or engage in skill-enhancing training but also encourages taking calculated risks without the immediate fear of financial fallback.
Incorporating the proven Mobility Mentoring coach-based model, the GBI pilot integrates personalized coaching to guide participants in setting and achieving their goals. This mentoring approach is key in helping families navigate the complex paths towards economic independence, focusing on critical areas such as housing, employment, and health.
The GBI pilot is designed to enhance participants’ ability to achieve sustainable financial stability. Payments will vary, with families receiving between $100 to $500 monthly, based on their assessed needs.
To complement the financial support, participants will benefit from cohort-style empowerment workshops or personalized coaching, along with a suite of financial empowerment tools tailored to help them thrive.
The pilot, which launched in 2023, includes participants who meet specific eligibility criteria and were carefully selected through referrals from WCAC’s robust network of community partners. This initiative represents a strategic effort to test the strength and sustainability of providing families with the autonomy to make choices that best suit their long-term economic goals.