Young Adults to Receive $1,400 Monthly for Three Years: Proposed Bill Seeks Financial Support
A new bill introduced in Congress proposes monthly payments for certain US residents under 30 years old.
Last week, the Youth Homelessness Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act was introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Michigan.
The proposal entails providing emancipated minors and adults under age 30 who are facing homelessness with direct payments of $1,400, or the adjusted fair market rent in the area, for a duration of 36 months.
The bill contains provisions for studying its effects on housing and health outcomes, among other impacts.
“We need to find new policy approaches to effectively address the ongoing youth homelessness crisis.”
In a statement, Rep. Tlaib emphasized the importance of offering direct cash assistance to address the housing crisis while honoring the autonomy and dignity of the recipients.
A representative from Tlaib’s office informed Newsweek that the proposed program would have a nationwide reach, but the timing of the legislation coming to the floor was uncertain.
Over 3.5 million young adults and about 700,000 young people face homelessness annually, as stated in a fact sheet that comes with the bill.
Between 2022 and 2023, there was a 17% increase in the number of young adults aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness.
The bill has the support of five additional Democratic legislators: Cori Bush from Missouri, Sylvia Garcia from Texas, Eleanor Holmes Norton from the District of Columbia, Barbara Lee from California, and Jan Schakowsky from Illinois.
Supported by various non-profit and advocacy organizations such as the National Homelessness Law Center, Center for Popular Democracy, Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, and A Way Home America.
Oregon’s $1,000 Monthly Aid for Youth: Financial Support
Oregon is facing a significant issue with homelessness. The city has the third-highest rate of homelessness in the nation, as reported in a federal survey released in December.
It boasts the highest rate of unaccompanied homeless youth in any location. As state leaders work to address the issue, one potential solution is emerging: Providing young individuals with $1,000 cash monthly, without any conditions.
In February 2022, the Direct Cash Transfer Plus Pilot was launched by the Oregon Department of Human Services.
The program focuses on individuals aged 18 to 24 who express a desire to secure housing, as stated in a report by the DHS on youth homelessness in the state last year.
According to the report, direct cash payments are currently being received by 120 young people across the state.
Around 75 of the recipients are located in Multnomah County, which is where Portland is situated.
The program’s first payments were initiated in February 2023 and will continue through January 2025. Participants are compensated with $1,000 monthly.
Recipients are also eligible for a one-time payment of $3,000 called an “enrichment fund.”
The program began implementing the increased payment following discussions with participants who expressed facing “substantial financial challenges” even after receiving the initial payments, as stated in the document.
