PCCI Direct Cash Transfer Project Final report
The PCCI Cohort 2 Final Report evaluates a pilot program by Project Community Connections, Inc. (PCCI) that provided unconditional $400 monthly cash transfers alongside housing support to 100 households experiencing homelessness in Atlanta, GA.
Key Findings:
Housing Stability
The program helped participants transition into and maintain stable housing. Cash assistance supported rent eligibility and covered essential costs.
UCT recipients were more likely to be living in independent shelter (their own apartment or home) compared to the control group.
Financial Security & Budgeting
Participants reported improved ability to manage expenses, plan finances, and avoid emergency financial crises.
Healthcare & Well-being
Cash transfers enabled access to healthcare and medications and reduced financial stress, which improved mental health outcomes.
Employment & Transportation
While some employment barriers remained, the guaranteed income removed key obstacles such as transportation costs.
Participant & Caseworker Insights:
Participants initially expressed skepticism but later showed gratitude and experienced a heightened sense of financial security.
Caseworkers observed that the cash transfers bridged financial gaps, built trust, and fostered autonomy among recipients.
“It felt like I’d already been blessed [by PCCI], and this was overwhelming in the best way. As I was moving from the streets to an apartment, the PEX Card came in, helped stabilize things, and covered what I needed.”
Conclusion
The PCCI cash transfer model effectively reduced housing instability and financial hardship. Findings align with broader research on guaranteed income programs, advocating for expanding such initiatives to address institutionalized housing challenges.
