We have been brought up with a slew of racist and classist notions that prevents us a nation from achieving the best for everyone.   Moreover, despite the stated intents- we ensure that folks simply can’t work, given the conditions. (It is generally not laziness or poor choices.)

I’ve discussed previously the (hopefully not) short-lived experiment we effected last year with the advanced child care credit.   That simple benefit meant that the poverty rate in the USA dropped from 17.5% to 11.9%.  Moreover, I also presented data that demonstrated that when families are provided a monthly benefit of $333 a month, the child’s brain development is greatly augmented. REGARDLESS of whether the parent used the funds for what certain politicians desire.

(If the goal is truly to help the child develop into a fully-functioning adult, who can maintain gainful employment for its whole life (or even start one’s own business), then we have stop worrying about whether the funds are used for rent, food, or books.  The data indicate that the child benefits regardless, due to the financial stability of the home.)

And, now, I will present further data to support this tenet.

Here in DC, four non-profits banded together in a test.  The program, called “THRIVE”, provided cash grants to families who lived in Ward 7 and Ward 8 (the lower income wards of DC, median income of $ 40K- about ½ that of DC as a whole).  The program launched shortly after the pandemic hit, involving the non-profits Martha’s Table, Bread for the City, The Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, and the 11st Street Bridge Park.  The funds, distributed to some 590 families, arose from private individuals and foundations- to the tune of $ 4.43 million.  Cash grants to the families ran $ 5500.

The Urban Institute monitored the program and produced an analysis authored by Mary Boyle, Emily Brumhall, Olivia Fiol, Peace Gwam, Elaine Maog, Eleanor Noble, Peter Tatian,  Timothy Triplett, and Fay Walker.

(It should be noted that many areas have instituted similar programs- Stockton, CA and Richmond, VA promptly come to mind.  All have seen similar results, despite using lower allocations; this program, however,  was more carefully studied.

Interestingly, the agencies involved have altered their strategies as a result of this program. Bread for the City is now more focused on programs that augment economic security for their beneficiaries.  Likewise, Martha’s Table is seeking to expand their cash assistance programming.

The THRIVE funds were delivered in a single bolus.  The most common use for the funds was housing needs; food was the second choice.  And, while 30% had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, almost 1/3 of the recipients remained gainfully employed during the pandemic.

The program demonstrated that this process seemed to have produced positive results fairly quickly.  Especially during the conditions of the pandemic, between isolation and job losses. Food insecurity was not a major issue among these households, and neither was housing.

Time to revive that Advanced Child Credit.  Now.

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