UpTogether

“These other programs reinforce your situation, but UpTogether lets us keep our dignity and our pride,” Ingrid Sullivan said. Ingrid participated in our San Antonio fund. Her story shows the power of trusting and investing in families. Thank you to H. E. Butt Foundation for partnering with us and sharing Ingrid's inspiring journey.

The UpTogether Fireside Chat is an intimate conversation with UpTogether members about their lived experiences, goals, and what it means when we trust and invest in them. Click here to watch Ingrid's full story: https://hubs.la/Q02WkdL-0

Thank you, Keenan, for learning about UpTogether and our work trusting and investing in people. Listen to podcast with Jesús Gerena here: 📺YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gGq7SWPG 🎧Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gN7AdtNj

“It was a big relief because I have received funds that I can only use for a certain thing. Which, I’m not complaining about, but there are other things that are necessary besides food,” Gretchen said. The direct cash investment that she received through the UpTogether Austin Homeownership Fund went towards inspections, closing costs, insurance, turning on utilities, and initial payments. Now, Gretchen’s home is always filled with family. She says you can find at least two grandchildren playing and enjoying the home no matter the day. “They like it better here because they can go in the fenced in backyard,” said Gretchen, before proudly sharing how she really brings the family together.

"Some findings were strong enough to be considered statistically significant. That includes data showing those who received money were more likely to have had $500 or more saved at the end of the payment period, compared to the other group. They were also less likely to have been evicted during the last half of the payment period than the others." Great to see these results from a guaranteed income pilot in Louisville! Thank you to Louisville Metro Government and Metro United Way for trusting and investing in people. Check out the full article here: https://hubs.la/Q02VTTmJ0

"What if they use the cash to buy say, a TV, instead of basic goods?" I channeled a common fear that donors have about direct cash transfers and asked an expert in this conversation that Phil Buchanan and I had with Jesús Gerena of UpTogether. His answer surprised me...! Don't miss this episode of the #GivingDoneRight podcast: https://lnkd.in/gC6ygVnj #charitablegiving #directcash #philanthropy #leadership

For Terran, the monthly cash investments in the 18-month Oakland Resilient Families Guaranteed Income Pilot —at the time one of the largest in the country — allowed him to move out to better living arrangements, pay rent and even navigate several challenges in employment. Perhaps the part Terran appreciated most was not being told how he had to spend the monthly cash. It’s a core staple of the UpTogether Approach where members have autonomy, are trusted and can be the experts in their own lives. “That was good to give people the feeling of responsibility. It made you feel like you were trusted,” he shared. Visit The Pulse to read Terran's story: https://hubs.la/Q02SP36K0

The City of Salem, Massachusetts is taking bold steps to address poverty with a new guaranteed income program! The city announced that it is launching a pilot program, which will give $500 a month over the next year to 100 residents. "The big boost of federal money made a difference and allowed municipalities and often philanthropic partners to work together to try this," said Jessica Ridge, Partnership Director. Click here to read the full article: https://hubs.la/Q02Vq1pg0

'We know guaranteed income works to help families achieve economic mobility. They know what’s best for their families and can be trusted to make decisions that move them ahead" --UpTogether CEO, Jesús Gerena. Learn more about a new guaranteed income pilot program in Salem, MA: https://lnkd.in/eM45cw3t

Check out the Boston Globe's coverage of Uplift Salem, a new guaranteed income initiative in City of Salem, Massachusetts. “We know guaranteed income works to help families achieve economic mobility. They know what’s best for their families and can be trusted to make decisions that move them ahead." - Jesús Gerena