The Bridge Project Appalachia: A Deeper Look Into A Program Working To End Child Poverty
By: Ashley Karimi, LISW-S
Everyone deserves support and a good start in life, yet children are often vulnerable because of circumstance. Maybe their parent lost a job, there’s debt from a missed bill, or their caregiver’s car broke down and they can’t get to work or school. There are just so many what ifs for families and because of community, families find a way to make it work.
Within the United States 1 in 7 children are in poverty, with the highest rates of poverty occurring for children under 5. This also happens to be a key time for development (Source 1). When looking at Southeast Ohio there is an even larger concentration of poverty, with an average poverty rate of almost 27% which is more than double the state and national average (Source 2). Research suggests that economic support has an impact on family well-being and that providing this support in times of need can prevent families from entering the child welfare system (Source 3).
With the rising costs of groceries, healthcare, and housing families are feeling the pressure. The Bridge Project Appalachia is an innovative program offering unconditional cash transfers to support 500 mothers and their babies in Appalachia. The goal is to empower pregnant parents through monthly cash transfers. Families can decide how they want to use the funds in a way that works for them. The hope is that this type of no questions asked financial support can have a greater impact on child poverty and long-term well-being for children/families (Source 4).
Applications for this program will begin on January 8, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until all slots have been filled. Eligible program participants will be selected by lottery. To apply visit: https://bridgeproject.org/apply/
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be selected:
· Live in the ARC-designated Appalachian Counties within Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia
· Be 18 years or older
· Be 14 weeks pregnant or less
· Have an annual household income of less than $44,000
If selected participants will receive between $375-$750 monthly with amounts/frequency based on key points during the child’s first three years of life:
· $1,125 one time, upfront prenatal stipend
· $750 per month for the first 15 months of program participation
· $375 per month for the remaining 21 months of program participation
Please reach out to Kauribel Javier from The Bridge Project if you have more questions: kauribel@bridgeproject.org.
Komentar