300+ families to receive $500 direct payment in 4 days. Stimulus check update.

Pathway to Income Equity Program Sends $500 Monthly Payments to 305 Families in Sonoma County

In just four days, the Pathway to Income Equity pilot program will send its next $500 monthly payment to 305 families in Sonoma County, California. The program received 6,450 applicants and selected families based on eligibility criteria, including having at least one child under six years old, being affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and having a household income no more than 185% above the federal poverty level.

Fighting Familial Poverty and Disproving Myths

The executive director of First 5 Sonoma County, Angie Dillon-Shore, emphasized the importance of the program in fighting familial poverty and disproving the myth that giving people cash disincentivizes work. She explained that most of the selected recipients are already working, often more than one job or more than 40 hours a week just to survive. The extra income will allow them to spend more time with their families, find better jobs, or improve their financial well-being, resulting in better outcomes for their kids.

Experimenting with Guaranteed Income

The program is part of an experiment to see how guaranteed income affects impoverished families. The next payment will be sent on May 17, and Supervisor Chris Coursey, the chairman of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, believes that these payments will help families with young children who are often struggling with high housing and childcare costs.

Evaluating the Program’s Impact

First 5 Sonoma County is using an external evaluator to conduct qualitative research with the participants over two years. The organization will publish a preliminary and final report in spring 2024 and early 2025, respectively.

Program Eligibility Criteria

• At least one child under six years old
• Affected by the coronavirus pandemic
• Household income no more than 185% above the federal poverty level

Don’t miss out on reading more about this program. Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.