The New York City Council on Wednesday allocated $1.5 million to alleviate homelessness and child poverty among expectant mothers.
The money will support the nonprofit The Bridge Project to establish a new cohort of 161 pregnant women experiencing housing insecurity that will receive regular and unconditional income assistance for the first three years of a baby's life, according to a press release.
Expectant mothers will get a $2,500 upfront stipend, followed by $1,000 each month over the first 15 months, and then $500 a month for the remaining 21 months.
It is the first time in city history that municipal funds have been utilized for a guaranteed income program, according to the press release.
About 90% of participants in previous cohorts reported improved mental health after receiving their first payment. Additionally, 63% of participants living in transitional housing moved to permanent housing within nine months.
Each year, more than 1,400 babies are born into New York City’s shelter system, where infants face higher risks of respiratory illnesses, asthma and hospitalization. By addressing these challenges, the initiative aims to reduce both immediate and long-term effects of homelessness and economic constraints.
Britney, an expectant mother enrolled with The Bridge Project, said the fund would help her cover her most basic expenses which she struggles to cover despite working full time as a homecare assistant.
Speaker Adams commended the initiative, saying economic and housing insecurity compromised the well-being of expectant mothers. "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."
Council Member Crystal Hudson, who spearheaded the legislation enabling city support for guaranteed income programs, called the initiative a “transformative lifeline.”
"This pilot program is by its very nature just the start, and we will continue to fight for greater resources for our most vulnerable neighbors," she said.
