Equity and Transformation's unique strategy to mobilize the informal workforce consists of research, community organizing, advocacy, and policy development.
The city of Chicago experienced 775 homicides in the year 2020. Over 90% of the homicides were caused by gunshots, and roughly 75% of all victims are Black. It's no coincidence that the majority of violent crimes take place in Chicago's most economically disadvantaged and most segregated Black neighborhoods, such as West Garfield Park. West Garfield Park has a per capita income of $11,739, approximately 70% less than Chicago's average per capita income of $38,105.
Our research study presents an innovative solution to economic inequality and recidivism by providing a guaranteed income of 500 USD per month for 18 months for 30 previously incarcerated individuals in West Garfield Park. There will be no work requirements or restrictions on how the money can be spent. We only ask participants to provide regular self-reported updates on the variables we're tracking.
Initiate fundraising.
November 1, 2020
Open application survey.
September 5, 2021
Inform selected recipients.
October 8, 2021
Launch orientation session.
October 22, 2021
Open baseline survey.
November 1, 2021Begin disbursement.
November 15, 2021
End disbursement.
May 15, 2023
Last observation point.
November 1, 2023Release evaluation report.
May 1, 2024
We want to guarantee the financial resources are going to those most in need. In order to qualify for the Chicago Future Fund, all applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be 18-35 years old
Live in West Garfield Park
Be formerly convicted or incarcerated
Make less than $12,000 per year
Every month, participants will be required to participate in data collection surveys. Our researchers will analyze the effects of guaranteed income on the following reported variables:
Recidivism: arrests, charges, imprisonment
Income volatility: household income, employment
Physical functioning: food security, housing, health
Psychological wellbeing: depression, anxiety
Unconditional cash meets people's most urgent needs, which isn't always limited to food, housing, and health security. Removing all restrictions mitigates unprecedented costs and provides a safety net amid life's chaotic events. We want to ensure that our recipients can use the money whenever and however they need it.
A guaranteed income of $500/month isn't going to make anyone rich, but it will provide a lifeline to someone on the verge of drowning. $500/month allows folks to focus on their families, careers, and overall wellbeing without having to worry about unexpected expenses.
We will provide regular updates on the participants and how the money is being allocated throughout the program. Every other observation point, we will release a newsletter to our donors showcasing individual stories and updated findings from our research team.
Pie Chart
60% Guaranteed Income
23% Administration
15% Contingency Fund
2% Marketing
Richard Wallace is a Chicago native and dually an organizer and artist in the fight to end anti-Black racism and economic violence. He has led numerous campaigns ranging from public health initiatives to policy reform efforts to build power and equity for Black and marginalized Chicagoans.
Richard is a graduate of Roosevelt University, where he received their prestigious Matthew Freeman Social Justice Award and where he founded
Roosevelt University’s student chapter of the Stop Mass Incarceration Network. He has received many honors throughout his young career, most
recently by Atlantic Philanthropies, who inducted him into the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity, their inaugural cohort of Atlantic Fellows (2018-2019).
r.wallace@eatchicago.org
Rachel Pyon is a strong research professional with a passion for redefining safety and building equitable solutions in the city of Chicago. She has a demonstrated background in the civic & organization industry with experiences in research, policy analysis, legislation, and campaigning.
r.pyon@eatchicago.org