The data in this pie chart shows aggregate spending for guaranteed income participants in Los Angeles County, CA. This includes all non-cash expenditures from the participants’ pre-paid debit card that is loaded with guaranteed income payments monthly.
Food and groceries accounted for the largest share of spending, at 35.32%, followed by Retail sales and services (31.27%) and Transport related expenses (10.07%).
The state of California saw significant reduction in poverty as a result of the largest, national pilot in the Child Tax Credit that was implemented as a result of the Covid Pandemic.
This program provided tax credit for eligible taxpayers with qualifying children in the form of cash payouts. The credit amount varied based on factors like the number of qualifying children and the taxpayer’s income. It can lower tax liability or result in a tax refund.
During the course of this pilot, it has been proven to reduce poverty for families with dependent children – in every state.
Basic Information
Children in Households
Gender
Annual Household Income (in $USD)
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Alisha is an Oakland native who lives in Deep East Oakland where she raises her 8-year-old grandson, whom she legally adopted when he was 8 months old.
When asked what her financial situation would be like if she wasn’t part of Oakland Resilient Families she said, “Basically I would’ve been looking for avenues as to like, maybe, take up another class in college so I can get the financial aid to help me pay off some bills. I would’ve been coming’ up with some kind of solutions besides trying not to borrow from people or add onto my credit debt. So those are the things I probably would’ve been up against if it hadn’t been for the guaranteed income program.”
“It has been a great help. It has allowed me to free up some money. It has helped me pay off some bills, I’m building my credit, and I’ve also been able to put some money away for my grandson’s college fund. So it’s really a great help and I just hope that from this other people will look at Oakland and see these types of guaranteed [income] programs do work.”
Imani is a single mother who worked as a desk clerk and lives in a family shelter. She uses her guaranteed income funds to get her 5-year-old son to and from school, while also keeping food on their plates.
“I feel good, I feel great, I feel thankful because me and my son live in a family shelter, so the money was really appreciated. I was able to get us food whenever we needed it. I still have some saved up and it’s just really appreciated. I’m able to get my son to school every day.”
“Having that extra support and knowing that there’s people out there like me and I’m not alone, and just to know that people have our back…It’s ok to open up to people. It’s ok to be open-minded. And it’ll help my community…My voice might be for someone who doesn’t know how to open up.”
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Karina is an Oakland mom of three who moved to the city from Honduras 13 years ago.
“My kids were like, ‘Really? Is that true, Mom?’ They can’t believe it—nobody gives out free money,” she said.
“It’s tough to be a single mom. We never think about how difficult it is to raise a child.”
Terran is a resident of Deep East Oakland who grew up in the area.
“It’s a whole lot easier now to just work and feel like things are moving forward,” Terran said. “It’s a privilege because you definitely understand the responsibility that comes along with having something like this.”
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Tiffany is a single mom of five children living in Oakland. She is a passionate advocate for improving childhood education.
“When I found out my 11-year-old has autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, I became a little bit more active. I believe there should be no kids left behind. [They] deserve to get an education and to feel safe. I believe in standing up for kids.”
“I paid off a couple things, so my credit is going up. UpTogether made me feel like I’m not the only one in a hardship in life that has goals… It’s… a motivation for me. Other people reaching goals, being able to keep their lights on or their house or get their kids (some) school clothes.”
