Speaker Adams, Council Members Launch First of its Kind Initiative to Provide City Government Funding for Guaranteed Income Program for Expectant Mothers

161 pregnant people facing housing insecurity will receive a guaranteed income during the first 3 years of their baby's life

City Hall, NY - Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Members, along with expectant mothers, launched a new Council funding initiative to support a guaranteed income program for expectant mothers to improve maternal health and reduce child poverty. The Council allocated $1.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 to support The Bridge Project in establishing a new cohort of 161 pregnant women experiencing housing insecurity that will receive regular and unconditional income assistance. It is the first time in city history that municipal funds have been utilized for a guaranteed income program. The announcement fulfills a proposal from Speaker Adams' 2023 State of the City and advances a solution to improve maternal health by alleviating stressors faced by low-income expecting mothers.

Video of the event can be found here and photos can be found here.

"Improving maternal health outcomes requires us to address the broader social determinants of health, including economic and housing security," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "The Council's initiative to provide expecting mothers with financial assistance marks the first time municipal funds will go towards a guaranteed income program, which was envisioned in my 2023 State of the City address. This is an important step towards reducing the economic stressors that threaten maternal health and empowering low-income mothers to secure pathways to stability and security. I thank my Council colleagues for their support, as well as our partners at The Bridge Project for their work to strengthen our communities."

Speaker Adams first announced the intention to initiate city support for anti-poverty guaranteed income programs in her 2023 State of the City Address. The Council then passed Council Member Crystal Hudson's Int. 0561-2022 to authorize the City's support for guaranteed income programs in June of 2023. Now, the Council is partnering with The Bridge Project, a nonprofit organization which operates a guaranteed income program for expecting mothers, for this initiative, which aims to improve the health of these moms and their babies and accelerate their transition into permanent housing.

Pregnant people experiencing housing insecurity are far less likely to receive quality prenatal care and are more likely to experience adverse health conditions while pregnant and postpartum. 90 percent of participants in prior cohorts of The Bridge Project program reported improvements in their mental health and stress levels after receiving just one payment.

In addition, the costs associated with pregnancy often push women on the economic brink into the shelter system. As a result, over 1,400 babies are born into the city's shelter system each year. Infants born into homelessness are also more likely to experience adverse health conditions, including a higher likelihood of respiratory disease, asthma, and hospitalization.

In previous cohorts, 63% of participants living in transitional housing moved to permanent housing within a 9-month period. Guaranteed income provides economic stability while reducing stress and improving the overall well-being of expectant mothers and their children.

"Under the leadership of Speaker Adrienne Adams, our Council has consistently focused its investments on what matters most: our people," said Council Member Justin Brannan. "Taking care of our most vulnerable and finding upstream interventions against poverty and homelessness helps us create a city that is safer, healthier, and more prosperous for all. That's why I celebrate our new $1.5M partnership with the Bridge Project, which will put no-strings-attached cash right into the pockets of housing insecure young mothers and pregnant parents-to-be. The Bridge Project has a proven track record of meaningfully empowering vulnerable New Yorkers through direct cash transfer, and together we're going to disrupt the existing realities of early childhood poverty in our city."

"Today, we celebrate a program that started as words on paper and has become a transformative lifeline, giving mothers the resources they need to provide their children with opportunities and support, free from the constraints of financial hardship," said Council Member Crystal Hudson. "Two years ago, I introduced legislation to authorize the city to create a pilot program to provide direct cash assistance for low-income families struggling with housing instability, homelessness, and other challenges tied to financial insecurity. I am deeply grateful to Speaker Adams for her leadership and commitment in making the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program a reality. Thanks to her efforts in securing $1.5 million in the FY25 budget and establishing a partnership with The Bridge Project, 161 homeless pregnant women in New York City will receive support during the first three years of their children's lives. This pilot program is by its very nature just the start, and we will continue to fight for greater resources for our most vulnerable neighbors."

"The Council's investment will enable us to expand our reach and support even more families. This funding is more than just a financial boost; it is a vote of confidence in the potential of our great city's mothers and their children. It acknowledges that poverty is not a personal failing but a systemic issue that requires comprehensive solutions," said Laura Clancy, Executive Director, The Bridge Project.

"With the resources I now have access to through The Bridge Project, I have a plan to find my own housing, and the money to pay for it. Even though I'm currently working full-time as a homecare assistant, I barely make enough to pay for my most basic expenses. With the funds from this program, I will now be able to focus on preparing for my baby's arrival and taking care of my child instead of stressing constantly about covering my bills," said Britney, newly enrolled mom with The Bridge Project.

"As Chair of the Health Committee, I am proud to support this vital initiative that directly addresses the health and well-being of expecting mothers and their families," said Council Member Lynn Schulman. "By providing guaranteed income to mothers in need, we are ensuring that they have the necessary resources to access proper healthcare, nutrition, and stability during this critical time. The partnership with The Bridge Project exemplifies the innovative, compassionate approaches we need to combat systemic inequities and build healthier communities across New York City."

"These are the small investments that yield massive returns-not just for families but for our entire city," said Council Member Gutierrez. "By providing expecting mothers with the financial stability to meet their needs, we're ensuring healthier beginnings for children and stronger foundations for families. Programs like this don't just combat poverty; they create lasting impacts that ripple through generations, reducing long-term costs and building a more equitable and thriving city for all."

"New York City is demonstrating how local governments across the United States can and must take bold action to support families and address racial disparities in maternal health. A guaranteed income program for low-income mothers can have significant positive effects on both maternal and child wellbeing that include improving health and access to care, enhancing child development, and reducing child poverty. By creating a more stable foundation for future generations, we can break cycles of poverty and reduce disparities in health, education, and economic mobility," said Council Member Carlina Rivera.

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