Chapin Hall

Evaluating Guaranteed Income Pilots in San Francisco and Alameda County

Young people aging out of extended foster care often struggle to meet their basic needs. Some jurisdictions are testing whether guaranteed income can facilitate successful transitions to adulthood for young people aging out of extended foster care. These guaranteed income pilots typically provide unconditional but time-limited monthly cash payments and optional supportive services to help young people meet their basic needs, stabilize their housing, and pursue education or employment goals.  

This research collection features a series of briefs that report findings from evaluations of guaranteed income pilots in San Francisco County and Alameda County in California. Chapin Hall Senior Research Fellow Amy Dworsky is leading both evaluations.  

Foundations for the Future provided monthly cash payments of $1,200 plus optional supportive services for 18 months to young people who aged out of extended foster care in San Francisco County. Chapin Hall’s local evaluation is examining the pilot’s implementation, the outcomes of participants, and the impact of the pilot on participant outcomes. As part of the evaluation, the Chapin Hall team is collecting survey data from participants, interviewing participants and staff, and analyzing program and administrative data. Briefs and other materials related to the ongoing evaluation of Foundations for the Future will continue to be added to this overview page. 

Similarly, NET (Nourish, Empower, Trust) Growth Movement provided monthly cash payments of $1,000 plus optional supportive services for 24 months to young people who aged out of extended foster care in Alameda County. Chapin Hall’s formative evaluation examined the pilot’s implementation and the outcomes of participants. As part of the evaluation, the Chapin Hall team collected survey data from participants, interviewed participants and staff, and analyzed program data. In general, participants experienced more stable housing, fewer economic hardships, less food insecurity, and improved mental health while receiving guaranteed income. Participants lost some of the gains they had made once the payments ended, but most were still better off than they had been before the pilot began. Additionally, although engagement in optional services was lower than expected, the availability of matching funds encouraged savings.  

Findings from Alameda County Guaranteed Income Pilot

Early Implementation Lessons from San Francisco’s Guaranteed Income Pilot

Participant Perspectives Midway through San Francisco’s Guaranteed Income Pilot