More than 50 families are able to make ends meet, spend more time with their children and pursue their goals as a result of receiving $500 in unrestricted cash a month from the UpTogether Illinois Community Fund. The one-year initiative, started in September 2024, highlights the power of direct cash investments in helping families achieve economic stability and well-being.
UpTogether, a national nonprofit dedicated to reimagining how poverty is addressed in the U.S., designed and implemented the pilot for 52 families earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI) for Illinois. The pilot focuses on families in Carbondale, Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Champaign, Rockford, Belleville, and East St. Louis. Participants were selected from current UpTogether members who expressed interest in advocacy and storytelling opportunities.
“It has impacted me in a positive way. I couldn’t even afford my car payment until I received those funds. So it helped me out a lot,” said participant Bria Gregory, a mother of three who is going to school for business administration while working at a rental car dealership and as a delivery driver. “With my work check alone, it’s not enough.”
The majority of participants are Black and Latina women, with an average number of two children. Among participants, 78% have household incomes below the federal poverty line, and 67% are employed an average of 34 hours a week. Half spend over 50% of their income on housing costs, which is considered an extreme housing cost burden. Participants selected improving their housing situation as their number one goal.
“It’s been wonderful. It’s been helping out tremendously. I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to pay the rent,” said participant Janine Lamb, a mom of two who works as a home health aide and rideshare driver. She said the funds will give her space to become a certified nursing assistant while spending more time with her children.
Funded through a private donor, the initiative seeks to demonstrate the impact of cash investments in downstate and rural areas while building advocacy for a statewide guaranteed income bill.
“Direct cash investments provide families with the resources they need to achieve their goals,” said Astar Herndon, Midwest Partnership Director for UpTogether. “This fund demonstrates that families in every part of Illinois can benefit from guaranteed income. Their experiences and stories will be critical in building statewide momentum.”
“We’ve seen guaranteed income change lives for families across the country and right here in Illinois,” said Sarah Saheb, Director of Economic Security Illinois. “An extra $500 per month can cover the cost of a car note or a few grocery trips; it can make a dent in medical debt or allow a parent the ability to drop a few shifts to be more present in their child’s life. Research proves guaranteed income drives better outcomes for families who are given the freedom and flexibility to choose what is best for them, which is why we are thrilled to support UpTogether’s investment in Illinois families.”