New Birmingham initiative guarantees monthly income for mothers

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Mayor Woodfin wins re-election, several city council incumbents returning
Mayor Woodfin launched new pilot program to benefit 110 single-mother households in Birmingham. Photo via Libby Foster for Bham Now

The City of Birmingham plans to assist 110 residents through a new pilot program that will offer a guaranteed income by monthly payments. Keep reading to learn more about the new initiative.

They are embracing mothers in the city

birmingham
Birmingham loves supporting its city. Photo via Hannah Chambley for Bham Now

The Birmingham City Council approved Mayor Randall L. Woodfin’s administration initiative to provide income to 110 Birmingham residents through monthly payments. The Embrace Mothers initiative is a City of Birmingham pilot program in partnership with Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).

“This is an opportunity to further our commitment to innovative solutions designed to improve the economic standing for our residents. Women and mothers specifically are the nucleus of our families and communities.”

Randall L. Woodfin, Mayor, City of Birmingham

MGI is a network of mayors advocating for guaranteed income to give Americans an income floor. Mayor Woodfin pledged to join their efforts and received a $500,000 grant to execute the pilot program. Through this program, 110 Birmingham residents will receive $375 a month for 12 months.

How do you qualify for this program?

Homes in Edgewood
Did you know that single mother household take up 60% of Birmingham households? Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

60% of all Birmingham households with children are led by single mothers.

“By putting financial resource into homes, we not only improve the outcomes for women but for children and the greater community at large. I am proud that Birmingham is the first city in Alabama to take this approach in partnership with MGI.” 

Randall L. Woodfin, Mayor, City of Birmingham

To ensure that the program is helping those most in need, there is a requirement to qualify. Female-identifying heads of family caring for at least (but not limited to) one child under the age of 18. However, the city will not select the households.

Here is more information about the program

MGI’s research partner, Abt Associates will conduct research on the program. They are responsible for the following:

  • Running the application process
  • Begin within the next month
  • Randomly select benefit applicants

Abt Associates will select an additional 132 participants that will not receive payments—to evaluate its impact. However, they will be compensated for their participation. Along with the MGI grant, Birmingham will provide up to $40,000 through the Penny Foundation.

The East Lake Initiative will also receive up to $10,000 to provide one-on-one onboarding and benefits counseling for recipients.

Do you know a single-mother household that could benefit from the City of Birmingham’s Embrace Mothers pilot program? Tag us @BhamNow on socials and let us know.

Tira Davis
Tira Davis
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