The New York City Council on Dec. 22 launched a new initiative supporting a guaranteed income program for youth experiencing homelessness, expanding on an its earlier program for pregnant mothers.
In partnership with Covenant House New York, the Council allocated $1.5 million in the city’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget to fund the Cash with Care program, which will serve 60 young New Yorkers ages 18 to 24 living in Covenant House shelter and transitional housing programs.
The guaranteed income initiative is designed to help young people move out of homelessness by providing consistent, flexible financial support alongside comprehensive services. Participants will receive benefits counseling and access to additional support programs. Once enrolled, each participant will receive a monthly cash stipend of $1,200 for nine months, as well as a one-time payment of $5,000 that can be accessed at any point during the first nine months of the 12-month program.
“When we invest in young people, we're investing in the future of our entire city,” said former Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
Adams emphasized that guaranteed income programs have proven effective in creating pathways to stability and self-sufficiency. By directing resources to young people facing housing insecurity, the Council aims to advance health, safety, and overall well-being citywide, while affirming that all New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to live with dignity and security.
Throughout the program, Covenant House New York will partner with Chapin Hall to collect and analyze data to measure outcomes. The evaluation will track indicators such as how many participants secure permanent housing, experience improved food security, reduce or eliminate debt and make measurable progress toward long-term stability.
The initiative follows the launch of the Council’s first guaranteed income program for expectant mothers, introduced last year to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce child poverty.
