Imagine what life could look like if you weren’t constantly worried about the cost of rent, groceries or keeping the lights on. Elevate Boulder created that kind of breathing room for hundreds of community members and with costs continuing to rise, Elevate Boulder matters now more than ever.
Elevate Boulder, the city’s guaranteed income pilot, provided $500 a month in unrestricted cash assistance for 24 months to individuals and families facing financial hardship in Boulder. There were no hoops to jump through, no spending rules and no judgement; participants were trusted to spend the money however would be best for them and it changed lives.
Eight Elevate Boulder participants sat down with Rosanna Longo-Better for a conversation about their experience in the program. You can listen to some of the podcast episodes on the city’s website.
For many, the first impact of receiving the money was financial relief. Relief from choosing between food and rent, relief from juggling multiple jobs with no time to rest, and relief from the constant stress that makes it hard to think beyond survival.
Direct cash assistance granted recipients the autonomy to decide what they need most. Participants chose how to use the funds based on their individual or family needs and opportunities. Some covered rent and utilities while some paid down debt, others repaired cars or caught up on medical bills. More than a handful were able to start building a savings for the first time in their lives or advance their education or career.
After years of instability, Kellie was able to begin building the foundation for long-term security. “I was finally in a position where I could afford to put part of my salary toward savings and retirement. It hasn’t been long, but now I have something,” said Kellie. “I feel like I’m in a better position.”
Elevate Boulder also created space for healing and improved well-being. Participants spoke about sleeping better, feeling less anxious and processing trauma and loss with more stability underneath them.
“Being on this program felt so good,” shared Kellie. “I wish so many more people could have the opportunity to feel the way I felt. I know it was only two years, but it was enough to make a lasting change in my life.”
When do you ever have a couple of extra thousand dollars laying around when you work at a nonprofit and live in Boulder?
I have so many blessings, and I’m not ungrateful. But having a little breathing room… it made a huge difference.
My son went to prom, and it felt so good to hand him my credit card when he was going to dinner and tell him to have a good time—not to worry, not to say, “You can only spend this much,” or, “I’m sorry, I can’t help you.”
Things I’m not normally able to do for him came a lot easier. And that’s nice.
Elevate Boulder exemplifies what community can look like when it’s built on collective care rather than isolation. Participants described feeling seen, respected and more included in the Boulder community. The program showed them that they're part of a city that chose to invest in and trust its residents.
Although the pilot phase has ended, its impact continues. The city and partner agencies are working to raise the funds to ensure that more Boulder residents – and the Boulder community – can benefit from guaranteed income.
If you believe in the power of guaranteed income, you can join the city to help make sure Elevate Boulder can continue to provide unrestricted direct cash assistance past the pilot phase. Please consider supporting the future of this work through the Elevate Boulder Fund.
Want to hear more about Elevate Boulder? Participants also worked to compile their stories through written stories, video, photography and a narrative performance with Motus Theater. Check out all Elevate Boulder stories on the city’s website.
