Image by Kurtis Garbutt licensed under CC by 2.0
A city in California is experimenting with a new program in which it will give certain poor citizens $500 a month. Unlike other types of assistance, this money won’t come with any requirements or conditions. It’s what’s called a “guaranteed basic income,” a system other countries like Finland and Kenya have tried. Listen to hear the city’s mayor describe his vision for the program.
Story Length: 4:09
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May 8, 2018
4:08
A workshop in North Texas aims to give people who have money the experience of what it’s like for people who live in poverty. Whether it's cashing a check, sending money to family, or trying to borrow money, people living in poverty have a different experience from others. This workshop simulation has people cash checks and complete other tasks without a bank account, social security number or a car. Listen to what they learn.
Read MoreJanuary 5, 2018
6:56
In the fight against global poverty, there have been a lot of experiments. Organizations have tried to give seeds, job training, or education to help move people out of poverty. In a rural village in Western Zambia, a small but steady stream of cash was given to people who needed it. Giving the people money with no strings attached has resulted in incredible results. Listen to this story and debate: Can giving cash ease poverty?
Read MoreJuly 10, 2017
4:36
Making ends meet is something that many families in the United States struggle with. As the cost of living, day care, food and other essentials become more expensive, it is much harder for parents to provide for their kids. MIT has created a calculator to determine the living wages for people and families in each state. Working at a job that pays minimum wage often results in pay that is far below what is needed. Listen to the story of how a mother from Dallas pays the family bills, and some of the issues around a living wage.
Read MoreMay 27, 2016
3:50
Poverty is an ongoing problem that is difficult to solve. One charity is addressing global poverty in a new, unique way. It is planning to provide people living in poverty with guaranteed annual salaries for about a decade. The charity’s co-founder says that people living in poverty are capable of making smart decisions about how to spend their money. These salaries will enable the poor to take steps to improve their own lives. Listen to learn more about how “universal basic income” may change people’s lives for the better.
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