Circle Urban Ministries Social Care Fair hand-drawn poster

Circle Urban Ministries Social Care Fair hand-drawn poster

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cook County in Illinois launched a guaranteed-income pilot program that offered participants $500 per month—no strings attached. The participants required a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, which was $33,975 or less for a single person. Evaluation of short-term pilot projects, such as this one, concluded that guaranteeing even $500 per month makes a difference, particularly on participants’ mental health.



Chicago participants were chosen from qualifying applicants through a lottery system. To assist applicants, Circle Urban Ministries organized a Social Care Fair with REACH to help people fill out the application.

Rush Education and Career Hub, Chicago, Illinois

2022

English