Single caretaker households who fall below 80 percent of the median area income and have a child under 18 are eligible to enroll in the program. One-in Cambridge families with children under 18 live below the poverty line.
Among those low-income households who have children, 70 percent have single caregivers. Vice Mayor Alanna M. McGovern, said she believes the program will help families like her own. Cambridge will become the second city in the Commonwealth to experiment with a guaranteed income program.
In November, Chelsea launched a similar program, through which it will grant monthly payments to 2, families for six months. Cambridge joins dozens of other cities throughout the country to pilot a guaranteed income program. Others include Baltimore, Md. Paul, Minn. A study published in March showed a universal basic income program in Stockton, Calif. Then-Stockton Mayor Michael D. Shaw can be reached at david. Follow him on Twitter davidrwshaw.
Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter. The Fridge in the Square, a community fridge in Harvard Square, launched earlier this year to support local residents experiencing food insecurity. By Truong L. By David R. Shaw , Crimson Staff Writer.
