The Power of Universal Basic Income
The Foundation for Social Change (FSC) based in Vancouver, Canada illustrates the positive impacts the act of placing belief in someone can do. In their social experiment in partnership with the University of British Colombia titled The New Leaf Project, they took a bold course of action on the issue of homelessness. The foundation awarded 50 individuals between 19 and 64 years of age a one-time cash transfer of $7,500 to those undergoing homelessness. This in hand gifted recipients the opportunity for choice, control, and purchasing power—all components that play a role in participating in society. The experiment was conducted in a course of 12 months, supplying researchers with inspiring outcomes.
From this study, researchers discovered most of the recipients’ spending habits were largely allotted towards food, rent, and transportation. Opposed to public belief, the supplied cash funds spent on abused substances—drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol—experienced a tremendous decline of 39 percent. In addition, most were able to retain on average $1,000 in savings throughout the duration of the experiment. The preliminary data illustrated that with basic income, many were able to quickly move into stable homes, achieve greater food security, and reduce their dependence on shelter systems.
Through this social experiment, recipients were given a chance to build their resumes and skillsets. According to an anonymous participant, “the money gave me recourses I need to get out of the shelter and push for the social programs and the computer class I needed.” Another recipient states, “[the social experiment] helped me out a lot. It’s given me a purpose in life and has given me hope…”
In hopes of continuing the organization’s work for 3 additional years, the foundation has a fundraising goal of $10 million. These funds will be utilized to expand their reach to help 200 more people experiencing homelessness, contribute to evidence-based public policy, shift society’s negative perceptions regarding people living in poverty, and to list a few.
Claire Elizabeth Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Foundations for Social Change, shares a mindful message with the public that “homelessness can happen to anyone...while the economic impact of homelessness costs everyone, ultimately it is the human cost that is so devastating.” To make a direct impact on the lives of those residing in our community, we must realize that homelessness is not devastating; with help, people can return from that low point in their life and achieve success.
For more information click here.
Author: Mae Dang
(source: sciencemag.org)
From this study, researchers discovered most of the recipients’ spending habits were largely allotted towards food, rent, and transportation. Opposed to public belief, the supplied cash funds spent on abused substances—drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol—experienced a tremendous decline of 39 percent. In addition, most were able to retain on average $1,000 in savings throughout the duration of the experiment. The preliminary data illustrated that with basic income, many were able to quickly move into stable homes, achieve greater food security, and reduce their dependence on shelter systems.
Through this social experiment, recipients were given a chance to build their resumes and skillsets. According to an anonymous participant, “the money gave me recourses I need to get out of the shelter and push for the social programs and the computer class I needed.” Another recipient states, “[the social experiment] helped me out a lot. It’s given me a purpose in life and has given me hope…”
In hopes of continuing the organization’s work for 3 additional years, the foundation has a fundraising goal of $10 million. These funds will be utilized to expand their reach to help 200 more people experiencing homelessness, contribute to evidence-based public policy, shift society’s negative perceptions regarding people living in poverty, and to list a few.
Claire Elizabeth Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Foundations for Social Change, shares a mindful message with the public that “homelessness can happen to anyone...while the economic impact of homelessness costs everyone, ultimately it is the human cost that is so devastating.” To make a direct impact on the lives of those residing in our community, we must realize that homelessness is not devastating; with help, people can return from that low point in their life and achieve success.
For more information click here.
Author: Mae Dang
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