Marin County, California mothers who received monthly cash payments as part of the MOMentum guaranteed income pilot showed significant gains on key measures, including financial stability, housing security, health and social connections.
MOMentum launched in 2021 with 125 low-income Moms of color, all with a child under 18. They received $1,000 a month for two years. A third year extension provided step-down funding which totaled $7,500. The pilot concluded this month.
“The powerful results show that investing in moms and their children has big returns. Mothers know best and can be trusted to make the decisions that are best for their families,” said UpTogether CEO Jesús Gerena. “In developing this initiative, MOMentum centered women. They told us they need cash, not another program.”
Claudia Muralles used her investment to finish her undergraduate degree. The funds increased her family’s financial security. “We used to make do with what we had. Do we pay PG&E or pay for gas for the car? Do we eat beans and rice or can I afford a little meat in our meals?” Muralles said. “To me the empowerment that came through the funds had no price. That sense of control over my money and sense I could do other things is priceless. It’s empowering. I’m unstoppable!”
Social Policy Research Associates evaluated the first two years of MOMentum. Here are highlights:
Food Security and Housing Stability
Physical and Mental Well-Being
“There is a reason that guaranteed income pilots are becoming ubiquitous around the country,” said Vikki Garrod, Chief of Staff at Marin Community Foundation. “They are proving to be the most flexible and empowering option to social safety net programs. We all need to be paying attention to the impact they are having in our communities.”