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6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PARTICIPANT REFLECTION Guaranteed income means empowerment A GRATEFUL COMMUNITY MEMBER GIG A2 participant I have a disabled child who has complex support needs that have required my care for the majority of the last decade. The fulltime work I did prior to having children is no longer an option, as it does not afford me the flexibility I need. I pivoted to parttime gig work which fluctuates in frequency, resulting in an unpredictable source of income. We rely primarily on my partner’s income, which is still not enough for us to get by even though he works a full time job. When I first heard about earning a spot to participate in the GIGA2 pilot program, it honestly sounded too good to be true. I was worried it was a mean scam for the first few weeks. Everyone I interacted with was (and continues to be) so respectful, reassuring and transparent, and after I researched the program I gradually started to believe this was real. The more I learn about what the researchers of this project are seeking to do, the more I respect this endeavor and personally feel how positively impactful these no-strings-attached monthly stipends are for my family. A practice that is remarkably unique about the model of this pilot program is how empowering and affirming it feels to participate. Generally, it can feel embarrassing to ask for help or need support, but the researchers of this project exude respect and have designed this pilot in such a way that I, as a participant, feel my dignity is very much preserved. Another important piece I would like to highlight is that the money I am receiving through this program is genuinely helping in numerous ways. I remember reading in the GIGA2 literature that they believe recipients will know the best ways to spend the money they receive, and they even stipulated that using it for wellness and self-care purposes — or anything at all — is valid and legitimate. Here are some ways the money has been helpful for our family: covering the ever-rising cost of groceries, copays for specialist appointments for my child, new glasses, home organization, feeling okay to order easier meals from time to time. This money has given me more peace of mind and helps alleviate my stress in numerous ways including when my gig work is cancelled for reasons outside of my control. Receiving these monthly stipends over the course of the past year has helped me heal from my own burnout and improve my mental health. I recently applied and was admitted into a degree program and I am now on the path to earning a degree in which I will be able to advocate for people with mental health challenges and disabilities. It is difficult to put into words the relief and boost this GIGA2 project is having on me personally, and for my family. I would like to let potential funders or supporters of this and similar programs know that I am not taking this as a free handout. Rather, it is providing crucial scaffolding for me to get out of a difficult spot and onto more stable ground. I am using this financial support to cover essential bills, and also to build toward a new career that will allow me to better balance the needs of my child as well as serving and advocating for others in our greater community. I will continue to pay this forward, and I am beyond grateful. Stability for my family and me ANONYMOUS GIG A2 participant The guaranteed income program has been a lifeline for me. Without it, I am uncertain how I would have survived. As a single mother with a disability, I have faced significant challenges in finding stable, part-time work. Despite my best effort, the demands of caring for my children and managing my health have made it difficult to secure consistent employment. With no family in the area to rely on, the responsibility of caregiving rests solely on my shoulders. At one point, rising rental prices nearly forced us into homelessness, and it was only through the kindness of strangers that I was able to secure stable housing. The financial support provided by the guaranteed income program has been a crucial safety net, helping me weather the increasing cost of living and the economic uncertainty that has become all too common. The program has greatly reduced my financial stress by providing a steady month payment. Currently I work in various gig and project-based roles. These roles offer me the flexibility I need to care for my children and manage my disability. However, the nature of gig work means that it is often unreliable and inconsistent, making it a source of constant anxiety, especially as prices continue to rise and other social safety nets are being removed. Thanks to the guaranteed income, I have been able to pay all of my bills on time, which has alleviated a significant amount of worry. This financial security has also given me the time and space to search for more permanent employment opportunities. Despite my diverse skill set, I often struggle to get past the Applicant Tracking Systems used by many employers, which makes it harder to find stable work. Additionally, out of pocket medical and dental expenses have been a significant burden. One of my children required dental work that was not covered by insurance. The total cost was over $3,000, an amount that would have been impossible for us to cover without the help of the guaranteed income program. This is just one example of unexpected financial burdens that often arise, and having the support of guaranteed payments made it possible for me to manage such expenses. The stability provided by this program has not only been essential for me, but it has also benefited my children. Because I have been able to focus on providing quality parenting, they are emotionally stable, mature and reliable young people. My oldest daughter, in particular, is a caring and intelligent individual who is determined to make a difference in this world. She will be starting college in the fall, driven to succeed and help others, and I have no doubt that she will do great things. My younger child has also shown remarkable character. He volunteers at Food Gatherers, helps classmates with their homework at school, and even retired neighbors call him when they need some help with something they cannot physically do. Both of my children are already making a positive impact in their communities and have learned the important lesson of community and helping others. In light of these experiences, I believe that Ann Arbor should continue its guaranteed income pilot program. The financial support it provides has been crucial in helping people like me navigate the challenges of living with a disability, raising children on my own, and managing the instability of gig work. The benefits of guaranteed income far outweigh the potential drawbacks, and it is a step toward building a more secure and equitable future for individuals facing similar challenges. MAY 2, 2025

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