California is rolling out a new guaranteed income initiative aimed at alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable residents. The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) is launching the Advancing Fresno County Guaranteed Income program, which will provide $500 per month for 12 months to selected households in central Californiaβs Fresno County.
This initiative will offer unconditional cash payments to 150 families living in economically disadvantaged areas, specifically targeting those at higher risk of financial hardship. The funds, totaling $6,000 per household over the course of the year, do not require repayment and can be used for any purpose.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be pregnant or have a child under the age of five
- Live in Huron (zip code 93234) or southwest Fresno (zip code 93706)
- Have an annual income that is 80% or less of the median income in their area (up to $35,103 for Huron residents and $30,615 for Fresno city residents)
Application Process
Residents can apply for the program either online or in person. Online applications are available through an application portal. For those preferring to apply in person, they can visit:
- Fresno EOCβs Local Conservation Corps (Neighborhood Youth Center) at 1805 E California Ave, Fresno
- The Senior Center at 16900 5th Street, Huron
Selection will be conducted via a lottery system, with 75 applicants from each location (Southwest Fresno and Huron) chosen to receive the payments.
Application Deadline and Program Details
The application period is now open, and interested individuals must submit their applications by May 15. Accepted applicants will begin receiving payments in the summer, continuing for 12 consecutive months.
This program follows California’s recent efforts to address poverty through guaranteed income initiatives. In November 2023, the state launched similar programs for young adults who have been in foster care, providing $1,000 monthly to 150 Ventura County residents and $1,200 to 150 San Francisco residents.
The Fresno County initiative aims to build on these efforts by offering financial stability and improving overall well-being for participating families.
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
