Guaranteed Income Program Offers Monthly Payments to Columbus Mothers
Steve introduces
Thirty-two mothers in Columbus, Ohio will soon receive a monthly payment of $500 as part of a new guaranteed income program aimed at providing financial stability and improving the well-being of families.
The program, backed by the Ohio Mothers Trust, is poised to make its first payments to selected Columbus mothers this week. This marks a significant milestone as the first unconditional guaranteed income program in Columbus, reflecting a growing national movement toward similar pilot programs across the country.
“Ohio Mothers Trust aims to demonstrate that providing unconditional cash support to mothers can significantly increase the financial stability and overall well-being of families,” Danielle Sydnor, the executive director of RISE Together, said in a statement. “We believe this program will empower mothers and create real, lasting change for families.”
This initiative is organized by nonprofits RISE Together Innovation Institute, Motherful, and UpTogether, signifying a collective commitment to supporting struggling families. The program’s impact is already being felt, offering hope and stability to mothers facing financial hardship.
The chosen mothers who reside in Columbus and earn an income at or below 80 percent of the area median will receive the no-strings-attached monthly payments for a period of 12 months.
“This new initiative is the latest in a nationwide effort to support people who need it most through a guaranteed income program,” said Alex Beeny, a professor of financial education at the University of Tennessee.
Similar programs implemented in other cities and states have shown promising results. They function as a financial safety net, assisting families in overcoming poverty.
“I hope this initiative reproduces the success that others have had,” Beeny added.
The program’s impact is tangible, offering a demonstrable improvement in the lives of participating families.
“Being a recipient of the Ohio Mothers Trust Guaranteed Income is a great blessing,” one program participant shared. ” I am very fortunate to have been chosen. It makes me happy to think that my bills will be paid on time and that I will be able to involve my son in more activities.”
Another mother expressed gratitude for the program’s stability: “As a single mother, this support means a lot to me and my son, and not just financially. The monthly allowance relieves the stress of managing bills, it gives me way to overcome my debt and build a more stable future. Thank you for seeing single mothers, listening to us, and creating a community that reminds us that we are not alone. ”
The program has garnered praise for its direct, impactful approach. In total, the initiative will invest $211,200 to support the families of 32 single mothers for one year.
While the program promises immediate relief, concerns linger about long-term sustainability.
“While the program is expected to provide much-needed short-term relief, it raises concerns about its long-term effectiveness,” said Kevin Thompson, financial expert and founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group.
“Without a replacement program or broader systemic reforms, beneficiaries could find themselves in the same financial situation after 12 months of payments.”
Thompson underscores the importance of tackling the root causes of financial hardship for single mothers:
“Instead of addressing the deeper issues that create financial insecurity [this] may serve as a temporary solution. We must work towards long-term financial empowerment for single parent households.”
What are the potential benefits for the mothers participating in the Ohio Mothers Trust program in Columbus?
## A New Safety Net: Guaranteed Income for Columbus Mothers
**Anchor:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a groundbreaking new program aiming to alleviate poverty in Columbus, Ohio. Thirty-two mothers are set to receive $500 each month for a year, no strings attached. Joining us to discuss the ”Ohio Mothers Trust” initiative is Danielle Sydnor, Executive Director of RISE Together, one of the organizations behind the project. Welcome to the show, Danielle.
**Danielle Sydnor:** Thank you for having me.
**Anchor:** Danielle, this is a truly unique program. Can you tell us more about the goals of Ohio Mothers Trust?
**Danielle Sydnor:** Absolutely. At RISE Together, we believe that providing mothers with unconditional cash support can dramatically improve their financial stability and overall well-being. This program is designed to empower mothers, giving them the resources to meet their family’s needs and create a more secure future.
**Anchor:** As we understand it, these are not loans, these are outright grants. Why take this approach?
**Danielle Sydnor:** We recognize the immense struggles many mothers face, often juggling multiple jobs, childcare, and household responsibilities. These unconditional payments allow them to make choices that best suit their families, whether it’s covering essential expenses, pursuing educational opportunities, or simply having a little breathing room.
**Anchor:** This program is part of a larger national trend towards Universal Basic Income [UBI]. What makes this Columbus initiative unique?
**Danielle Sydnor:** While there is a growing national movement towards guaranteed income programs, ours is the first of its kind in Columbus. It’s a pilot program, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on these 32 families. We believe the data collected from this initiative will provide valuable insights for policymakers and advocates working to address poverty in our community and beyond. [[1](https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/smallbusiness/some-ohio-mothers-are-getting-500-in-monthly-payments-who-qualifies/ar-AA1vhHs0)]
**Anchor:** And tell us, Danielle, what have you heard from the mothers who have been selected for this program?
**Danielle Sydnor:** We’ve seen an overwhelming sense of relief and hope. Many mothers expressed feelings of empowerment, knowing they have this financial cushion to fall back on. This program is truly about investing in families and creating a brighter future for their children.
**Anchor:** Thank you so much for your time, Danielle. We wish the Ohio Mothers Trust program all the best in its endeavors.
**Danielle Sydnor:** Thank you for having me.
