(Link Included): The County’s Basic Income Pilot program provides some economic relief and ongoing mentorship to youth who transitioned out of foster care
Quoting an unknown philosopher, Graves said: “You can’t guarantee success, but [everyone] should be guaranteed an opportunity to succeed.”
Prince George’s County launched its basic income pilot program in 2023. Participants received their $800 a month stipend in 2024. The program lasts for two years. It will end in 2026. The pilot program entails two groups: senior citizens and youth who have aged out of foster care.
I am a fellow at the Solutions Journalism Network. I received a grant to report on the convergence of youth and economics in Prince George’s County. I had an opportunity to report on Luana, one of the 50 recipients of the $800 stipend.
Excerpt: Not long ago, there was a time when Luana had only enough money to buy food for her sibling. Her younger sibling lived with her. For Luana, based on the situation, it was logical to give the food to her sibling rather than eat it. There wasn’t enough. It’s not clear how often this happened — but she thinks it has resulted in a recurring stomach problem. “I need to make a doctor’s appointment for that,” she told me. However, things have changed. Her economic life has somewhat improved. Now, Luana has money to purchase enough food so that she too can eat. “I am no longer sacrificing one thing for the other — and that makes me feel calmer,” she said.
In 2024, Luana was accepted into the Prince George’s County basic income pilot program for youth who have transitioned out of foster care. The program not only provides financial support but also mentorship that helps them to navigate the road ahead.
“ You don't think [$800] is much at first,” explained Luana, who was once in the foster care system in Prince George’s County. “Then you think about how it does help you.”
The Prince George’s County basic income pilot program was spearheaded by Prince George’s County Changemakers, a local social justice non-profit organization. Janna Parker, a native and resident of the county, is the executive director of the organization. She, and other activists, led the charge. Parker said the county is mainly known for its “vibrant and resilient communities.” However, alongside these vibrant, high-income neighborhoods, exist food apartheid communities, poverty, and communities that lack access to medical care.
“This combination of social conditions aggravates the racial wealth gap within our resident population,” said Parker. “The racial wealth gap is a phenomenon that speaks to the wealth gap between different races, particularly those within the white population that generally have more access to wealth than those within the black and brown population.”
I think basic income programs are a creative solution to people trapped by circumstances. I wasn't aware that it was being piloted anywhere. Thanks for reporting this, Delonte.