Family Prosperity
Family Prosperity is a guaranteed basic income demonstration project in Las Cruces, New Mexico, administered by the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico (CAASNM) in partnership with Families and Youth Innovations Plus (FYI+) and Jardin de los Ninos. Funded by $1.7 million in City of Las Cruces American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, it provided 150 randomly selected single-caregiver families with $500 unrestricted monthly cash payments for 18 months starting July 2023. A comparison group of 150 additional families received $550 total for completing research surveys. New Mexico State University's Crimson Research evaluated the program's effects on poverty, health, education, and employment.
Guaranteed Basic Income, Single Caregivers, ARPA-funded, Las Cruces, New Mexico, University Research Partnership
Headquarters
- Organization Name
- Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico
- City
- Las Cruces
- State / Province
- New Mexico
- Country
- United States
Contact
- Phone
- +1 575 527 8799
- Social media links
Status & Funding
- Organization status
- Active
- Program status
- Inactive
- Application status
- Timed
- Number of recipients
- 150
- Funding type
- Government
Benefits
- Currency Type
- Fiat
- Currency
- USD
- Total Amount
- 9,000 USD
- Avg. Per Month
- 500 USD
- Payment frequency
- Monthly
- How long the program lasts
- 18 months
- Distribution Type
- Direct Deposit, Debit Card
- Benefit details
Active group participants (150 families) received $500 per month for 18 months, unrestricted and not required to be repaid. A separate comparison group of 150 families received $25 per survey and $50 per questionnaire, totaling $550 over 18 months, for participating in data collection only. Funds were classified as a non-taxable 'gift,' not income, and recipients did not receive a 1099. Payment could be received via direct deposit, a new bank account opened with program assistance, or a reloadable debit card.
Eligibility
Overview
- Eligibility details
Eligible applicants had to be a single parent/caregiver household with at least one child under age 16 living in the home, meet household income requirements, and reside within the City of Las Cruces. Priority was given to residents of ZIP codes 88001, 88005, and 88007 and to families in distressed census tracts, though all who met base criteria could apply. Pregnant applicants without children could also qualify if other requirements were met. 150 prequalified families were randomly selected by an outside partner; applications are now closed and would reopen only if further funding becomes available.
Family
- Family Status
- Single Parent, Parent, Expecting
- Number of dependents (minimum)
- 1
Geography
- US states covered
- New Mexico
- Countries covered
- United States
- Cities covered
- Las Cruces
- Counties covered
- Dona Ana
- ZIP / postal codes covered
- 88001, 88005, 88007 (priority ZIP codes)
- Residency of Target Geography
- Yes
Participation
- Research / data sharing
- Required
- Research / participation requirements
The program was evaluated by New Mexico State University's Crimson Research, which assessed impacts of unrestricted cash support on quality of life, education, employment, childcare, and physical/mental health. Both the active (payment) group and comparison group were required to complete periodic surveys and questionnaires; a final report was expected at project completion.
Application Process
- How to apply
Applications were accepted online or by phone (for those without email/internet, via CAASNM office at 575-527-8799) during a defined open period (July 18 - August 18, 2023). Applicants had to submit proof of address (utility bill, tribal registration card, voter registration card, lease/rental agreement, or social services statement in the applicant's name). Applications are now closed and will reopen only if additional funding becomes available.
- Selection process
Eligible applicants who met qualification criteria were prequalified, and 150 families were then randomly selected by lottery by an outside partner organization to form the active payment group; additional families formed a comparison/research-only group. Selected families were notified by phone call and letter and required to attend an orientation to confirm eligibility documents.
