Durham, North Carolina is considering extending its Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot program after a successful run that has benefited over one hundred residents battling economic hardship.
North Carolina Residents to Receive an Extra $600 Monthly
The Excel Pilot Program, also known as StepUp Durham, has provided 115 eligible residents with a $600 monthly payment since March last year. According to a post by Marca, the final payment is set to be sent out on February 15th. The program was initially funded by a $500,000 donation from Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter, followed by $200,000 more from private donors. Despite the program’s success, its future is uncertain as funding remains an obstacle to its continuation.
According to the program’s executive director Syretta Hill, there are currently no commitments to continue the program, and finding the necessary funds will be an initial challenge. To participate in the Excel Pilot Program, residents had to be over 18 years old with a reported income of less than 60% of the area’s median income. Applications were submitted and participants were selected at random.
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Residents Could Receive a $600 Monthly Boost
If the program is renewed, Hill indicated that there may be changes to the eligibility requirements based on the experience of the first year. The possibility of extending the UBI pilot program in Durham has sparked excitement and hope among residents. They are the ones who benefited from the extra support during these challenging times. With many individuals reaching out to ask about participating in the program, the demand for UBI continues to grow.
The Universal Basic Income pilot program in Durham, North Carolina has shown promise in its ability to alleviate economic hardship and improve the quality of life for its participants. The consideration of its extension highlights the ongoing discussion about the feasibility and potential impact of UBI on communities and individuals.
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