We want to thank Councilwoman Shontel M Lewis for bringing forward this amendment and continuing to champion basic income. We'd also like to thank Councilmembers @staciegilmore.bsky.social, Serena Gonzalez-Gutierrez, @paulkashmann6.bsky.social, and Sarah Parady for their votes.

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If passed, this amendment would have given $500/mo to 100 individuals experiencing housing insecurity for the next three years.

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Jamie C. Torres, Diana Romero Campbell, Amanda Sawyer, Flor Alvidrez, Darrell Watson, and @staciegilmore.bsky.social will be voting on this amendment on Nov. 3rd.

Mark spoke about emptying his bank account to save his elderly aunt from homelessness, even in the midst of his own housing struggles. He chose to do this with his direct cash from the Denver Basic Income Project.

(3/3) To sum it up...

Evidence clearly shows that cash transfers are one of the most effective ways to diminish poverty in the US. And we have the results to back that up. You can check out our Year One Research Report here: www.denverbasicincomeproject.org/research

(2/3) Lowrey mentioned that many nationally recognized GI programs were conducted during atypical periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and times of high inflation, which contributed to mixed results. Although some families did not report improved well-being, many were able to move out of poverty.

(1/3) Article writer, Annie Lowrey, stated how those receiving direct cash transfers had more money to spend on necessities, like housing and transportation. We saw this in our program as well, with participants across all payment groups using the funds for rent, car payments, and child essentials.