New pilot program in Sacramento County provides additional cash assistance to families in need

As the cost of living continues to rise in Sacramento County, many families are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. In response to this growing need, Sacramento County has launched the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program, aimed at providing financial assistance to families who are struggling to meet their basic needs.

One such family is that of Melissa Turner Bass, a single mother of three who resides in the Florin neighborhood. Turner Bass expressed her challenges in affording necessities such as food and rent, highlighting the financial strain that many families in the area are facing.

The Family First Economic Support Pilot Program will provide eligible families with $725 per month for a year. The program’s primary goal is to prevent Child Protective Services from becoming involved in the lives of these families, emphasizing the importance of providing support to prevent crises before they occur.

To qualify for the program, families must meet specific criteria. They must reside in designated zip codes within the Arden-Arcade, Florin, and McLellan Park neighborhoods, have a child aged zero to five who is Black/African American, American Indian, or Native American, earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level, and not be receiving guaranteed income from another pilot or program.

Community members have expressed mixed reactions to the program. While some, like Turner Bass, see it as a much-needed lifeline for struggling families, others have raised concerns about the exclusion of certain minority groups, such as Hispanics, from eligibility. Sacramento County based its requirements on demographic data related to the frequency of children coming into contact with Child Protective Services.

Despite differing opinions, many agree on the importance of providing support to families in need, regardless of their background. Andy Sandoval, a Sacramento resident, emphasized the universal need for assistance among low-income individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Sandoval shared his own positive experience with state income programs that helped him support his children through college, expressing hope that others will have access to similar opportunities.

The funding for the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program comes from a state block grant from the California Department of Social Services. The application for the program opens on September 30 and closes on October 13, offering eligible families the chance to receive much-needed financial assistance.

In conclusion, the launch of the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program in Sacramento County represents a significant step towards providing support to families facing financial hardship. By targeting specific neighborhoods and demographics, the program aims to address the unique challenges that vulnerable families in the area are experiencing. As families like Turner Bass’s look towards a more stable and secure future, initiatives like this program offer hope and assistance in times of need.

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