Guaranteed Basic Income Cohort 1 Testimonials

• “I have finally been able to not worry about groceries and gas for my car. I’ve been able to pay bills on time without being late or needing extensions and it seems small but it’s a lot of stress off my plate.”
• “Not been (worried) about (buying) shoes or clothes for school and also school supplies.”
• “It has seriously kept us afloat each month, literally check to check, with some weeks not even knowing if we'll make it to the next payday, and honestly (I) don't know how I'd survive without it.”
• “I have used the additional $750 a month into going back to school as I only have a few classes left to obtain my associates degree.”
• “I’m able to pay for activities she wants to do like cheer and swim lessons. Buy her things she wants instead of a substitute item.”

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• “It helped us get off of food stamps.”
• “I have been able to afford groceries and gas every month without worrying or borrowing money. I’ve also been able to put a small amount of money for an emergency fund.”
• “It has made a huge difference; I was able to return back to college and (work) on my bachelor’s degree.”
• “I have been able to purchase a vehicle to take my children to school and after school programs.”
• “Mis padres viven conmigo y  soy madre soltera y con este dinero puedo comprar mejor comida para mi papá porque tiene diabetes, y la comida es más cara y con este dinero le puedo dar una mejor calidad de vida a mi padre y mi madre. Mi mamá alta presión y vértigo.” (“My parents live with me, and I am a single mother. With this money, I can buy better food for my father because he has diabetes, and food is more expensive. With this money, I can give my father and mother a better quality of life. My mother has high blood pressure and vertigo.”)

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• “We have been able to buy clothes and necessities for school, for my child, and get him nearly any food anywhere. I was able to visit family with little financial burden.”
• “I've been able to travel, pay off debts, increase my credit score, and have food security.”
• “I have been able to register my kids in sports programs like a soccer club. We have been able to travel to tournaments outside the state. I was able to buy my kids a computer and tablet.”
• “It has helped tremendously. I have a little more financial freedom. ... (I) have more gas money for the week. I’ll pay my expenses and still have a lot left to do fun activities with my son.”
• “Hemos podido salir de deudas económicas, me ayudó a comprar útiles y uniformes, zapatos, tenis para mis hijos, ropa, sus cosas personales también, hemos podido a completar mejor el alquiler de nuestra casa y hemos estado ya al corriente con los servicios de la casa también, también me está ayudando a poder pagar el deporte de mi hijo.” (We have been able to get out of financial debt. It helped me buy school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and sneakers for my children, as well as clothes and their personal items. We have also been able to better cover the rent for our home and stay up to date with household utilities. It is also helping me pay for my son's sports.”)

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• “Pude sacarle lentes para su vista a mi niño, hemos podido tener nuestros bills al corriente de la casa en renta, ya no nos hemos atrasado en la renta y ya está practicando un deporte también mi niño, también logramos pagar algunas deudas económicas que teníamos, al igual que hemos podido darle una línea de celular a mi niño para saber en dónde está a todo momento. Calzado para la escuela también ya que hemos podido comprárselos y al igual que ropa adecuada para su edad y clima. Logré pagar mi licencia de manejo para poder conducir. Yo también me pude comprar lentes para mi vista ya que los ocupo de a diario para todo.” (“I was able to get glasses for my son’s eyesight. We have been able to keep our household bills up to date in our rented home, and we have not fallen behind on the rent. My son is also now practicing a sport. We were also able to pay off some financial debts we had. In addition, we were able to get a cell phone line for my son so I can know where he is at all times. We have also been able to buy him shoes for school and appropriate clothing for his age and the weather. I managed to pay for my driver’s license so I can drive. I was also able to buy glasses for myself since I need them daily for everything.”)
• “Pude dar algunos pagos de mis tarjetas de credito por que las tenia casi al 100 % usadas.” (“I was able to make some payments on my credit cards because they were almost 100% used up.”)
• “Me ayuda a comprara ropa a mis hijos y calzado comprar comida para ellos si necesitan ir al dentista.” (“It helps me buy clothes and shoes for my children, buy food for them, and take them to the dentist if they need it.”)
• “Yes, it has made a difference because we buy food for the house.”
• “I was able to pay my mortgage on time. My kids would have better meals at home. ... "(We're) working on getting a bigger car since we struggle with my current car.”

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• “Some examples would be allowing my children to enjoy extracurricular activities like basketball. I have also started a savings (account). And during the summer, I had lost my job and was able to still pay for my rent until I got a new job the following month.”
• “Agradecida por este proyecto ya que me ayudó mucho ya que mi caso no es igual al de otros gracias a este proyecto continuo pagando abogado en mi proceso de asilo y pude adquirir un carro a crédito.” (“I am grateful for this project because it has helped me a lot, since my situation is not the same as others. Thanks to this project, I continue paying for a lawyer in my asylum process and I was able to get a car on credit.”)
• “It helped me move my family to a safer home. (It) helped keep me on top of all my bills and get needed things like clothes for my kids, cleaning supplies and such.”
• “I was able to move my family to a safer place. (I) was able to put food on the table and clothes on my kids.”
• “It's made a huge difference; we have a nice little apartment. I found a good paying job. I have money saved up. Thanks so much!”

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• “I am saving up for future medical expenses. We are now a one income household, so I am saving in case I need this money for living expenses.”
• “This has helped with emergency expenses.”
• “Agradecida por este apoyo con el puedo pagar el abogado todos los meses ya que estoy en proceso de asilo y pude sacar mi carro por crédito y pago todo los meses.” (“Grateful for this support; with it, I can pay my lawyer every month since I am in the asylum process, and I was able to get my car on credit and make all the monthly payments.”)
• “A echo una gran diferencia gracias a Dios tube ese dinero para ayudarme con mis viles y poder dar el Down para un carrito para que mi hija mayor pueda seguir yendo a la escuela y poderme ayudar después de todos estos días festivos el trabajo a estado muy poco.” (“It has made a big difference. Thank God I had that money to help me with my bills and to make the down payment on a little car so my oldest daughter can continue going to school, and it has helped me, especially after all these holidays when work has been very slow.”)
• “Having extra money helps with food and hygiene necessities.”

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• “My family has been able to eat more good foods that are healthier and more abundant. I’ve noticed that noticed a change in my children’s energy. They are much stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally due the GBI Bill! Our challenges and struggle (aren’t) the same anymore as we pay more of our bills off. We have noticed that since we’ve been paying off our debt our family feel relieved of stress and frustration. Our family is not completely out of debt, but we are moving into a good direction and we hope the GBI continues for another year! Once our credit goes up higher and more debt is paid off, we have plans of opening a business!!! It’s such a blessing to be a part of this program! We appreciate the opportunity and we hope to continue with the GBI Bill. Your program has changed our lives for the better and we are very grateful!”
• “Hemos estado más tranquilos económicamente mejor vida para mis hijos y ahorrar.” (“We have been more financially stable, with a better life for my children and the ability to save.”)
• “Helps me buy clothes and shoes for my kids and also food because food stamps run low at the end of the month.”
• “I am able to feed my family more food and pay my utilities and rent on time and have child care. I feel so blessed to have the extra money to take care of my family. Thank you for this opportunity!”
• “Msaada uyo unanisaidia sana unanisaidiya kulipa nyumba kununulia watoto manguo na viatu na mahitaji mengine.” (“That assistance helps me a lot; it helps me pay for housing, buy clothes and shoes for my children, and cover other needs.”)