Newly-launched guaranteed income program giving some in Durham $500 a month

The city has approved a contract to begin a guaranteed basic income pilot program.

Durham City leaders officially gave the green light to launch a plan to send ongoing direct cash payments to people in the Bull City, starting next month.

“We approved their contracts. Council voted on it so it’s moving as we speak,” said Mark-Anthony Middleton.

Middleton has been spearheading the initiative. This comes after Durham was selected to be a part of a national pilot program to analyze the impacts of guaranteed basic income. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is funding the project.

“I’m hoping it’ll mean stability. I’m hoping that they won't have to do creative calculus on how they’re going to feed their kids, how they’re going to pay their rent, or how they’re going to clothe themselves,” added Middleton.

“A lot of the problems that folks face are all kind of compounded and exasperated for that particular group. Housing, the stigma when you’ve been incarcerated, getting a job, opening up a banking situation, getting an ID,” said Middleton.

Middleton said program leaders will study how the money assists those re-emerging back into society, but this is just a start. After one year, they will present their findings at the federal level and hopefully get more dollars to make it a universal plan for all.

“It's incredibly gratifying to be at this point we are at where we’re actually going to have checks going out this fall,” Middleton added.