Durham, N.C.—In an effort to combat poverty and support financial stability, Durham County has officially launched its DCo Thrives guaranteed income pilot program. This initiative follows the footsteps of a similar program initiated by the City of Durham in 2022 and seeks to provide no-strings-attached financial assistance to families in need.
What is the DCo Thrives Program?
The DCo Thrives program is designed to provide 125 selected participants with $750 monthly payments for a year. This guaranteed income aims to enhance the well-being of children and families across the county. The payments come with no restrictions, allowing recipients to use the funds as they see fit, whether for housing, childcare, education, or other pressing needs.
County leaders approved the initiative in 2023, committing $1.69 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to fund the program. Alongside the 125 recipients, another 125 individuals will serve as part of a control group, participating in research to measure the program’s effectiveness.
Who is Eligible?
The program is targeting low-income families, with eligibility criteria that include:
• Residency in Durham County
• Age 18 or older
• Parenting at least one child under the age of 18
• Household income at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
Applications are currently open, and participants will be randomly selected.
The Broader Context: Addressing Poverty in Durham County
According to 2021 Census data, nearly 9% of families in Durham County live in poverty, with single-parent households being disproportionately affected. Programs like DCo Thrives are part of a growing trend across the United States to address systemic poverty through direct cash assistance.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton, a staunch advocate for the City of Durham’s 2022 pilot, highlighted the positive impact of such programs. “Surprise, surprise—folks paid bills and did things for their kids,” Middleton stated in response to critics of the program.
The Research Behind Guaranteed Income
Guaranteed income programs have been implemented in cities and counties nationwide, including Los Angeles County, Chicago’s Cook County, and Houston’s Harris County. These programs form part of a coalition called Counties for Guaranteed Income, which aims to expand no-strings-attached cash assistance on a national level.
Research into similar programs has demonstrated several benefits, including:
• Increased cognitive development in children
• Decreased parental stress
• Improved employment outcomes
• Greater financial stability
Local advocates believe the DCo Thrives program will yield similar results, contributing to long-term systemic change in Durham County.
What Sets DCo Thrives Apart?
Unlike some programs that impose spending restrictions, DCo Thrives entrusts participants to determine how best to use the funds. This flexibility, county leaders argue, empowers families and reduces the stigma often associated with financial aid.
Building on the Bull City’s Legacy
Durham’s initiative builds on the success of its 2022 guaranteed income pilot, which focused on supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. The program faced criticism but demonstrated that recipients used the funds for essential needs, such as paying bills and supporting their families.
The Bull City Citizen: Your Trusted Source for In-Depth Reporting
As Durham County continues to pioneer innovative solutions to economic challenges, The Bull City Citizen remains committed to providing comprehensive, unbiased reporting on issues that matter to our community. For updates on the DCo Thrives program and other local initiatives, visit us online or subscribe to our print edition. Stay informed with your trusted local news source.
By shedding light on these transformative programs, we aim to foster understanding and encourage meaningful dialogue about the future of our community. Together, we can build a more equitable Durham.
