$600 Monthly Durham’s Guaranteed Income Pilot Boost Reduces Crime-Advocates Seek Expansion and Replication!

Expanding Impact: Advocating for Wider Reach of Guaranteed Income Programs

Economic Benefits: Investing in Prevention over Incarceration

According to ABC11 Eye Witness News in Durham, North Carolina, Cedric Craig is leading efforts to keep the Durham‘s guaranteed income pilot program going, especially for people who were in trouble with the law before. Craig says the program helps improve the lives of those getting it even if it’s just $600 a month. Started in 2022 the program aims to stop people from going back to crime by giving them money. The program’s organizers say it’s been working well with nobody going back to crime in the first year. Craig who works with “Durham For All,” a local group sees how similar programs could help other places like his hometown of Fayetteville where crime and jail rates are high. They want to ask for an extra million dollars to make the program bigger in Durham and also want to do similar things in nearby areas.

Even though some people don’t like the idea of using taxpayer money for this supporters like Mayor Pro-Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton say it’s better for the economy in the long run. Middleton says it’s cheaper to give people money than to pay for them to be in jail. As “Durham For All” starts a campaign to get more people to know about and support guaranteed income programs, the city seems ready to keep helping those who need it most aiming to make stronger and more empowered communities.

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$600 Monthly Durham’s Guaranteed Income Pilot Boost Reduces Crime-Advocates Seek Expansion and Replication!(PHOTO: Montgomery County Government)

Extending Reach: Spreading the Success of Guaranteed Income Initiatives to Neighboring Communities

Furthermore, Cedric Craig and “Durham For All” are not only focused on expanding the guaranteed income pilot program within Durham but also aim to replicate its success in neighboring areas recognizing the potential for positive impact on communities grappling with similar challenges like high crime rates and incarceration levels. Despite concerns about taxpayer funding, advocates like Mayor Pro-Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton emphasize the long-term economic benefits of such programs stressing the cost-effectiveness of preventative measures compared to the expenses associated with criminal justice interventions. As awareness and support for guaranteed income initiatives grow Durham appears poised to continue its commitment to uplifting vulnerable populations and fostering stronger more resilient communities.

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