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Obawole: Neglected by banks, rescued by PoS agents

Samson Akintaro

March 25, 2021 |

New Telegraph |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Nigeria, Obawole, Lagos State

Agency banking and point-of-sales terminals provide financial services to Obawole, a community under-served by banks despite its proximity to Nigeria's banking center. Agents are third parties representing banks. They provide services such as accepting deposits and making withdrawals, replacing often-decrepit and unreliable ATM machines. Technical failures and distrust can mar relationships with the banking public, but the services provide a needed convenience, and create jobs as well.

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Questions Remain About New Affordable Homeownership Program Run by an Atlanta For-Profit

Adina Solomon

March 24, 2021 |

Next City |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Atlanta, Georgia

Renters in Atlanta’s DeKalb County were given the opportunity to buy their homes at below-market values. Instead of selling homes to the highest bidders, a development company that bought the 72 homes sought to prevent displacement, create affordable housing, and help keep longtime residents in the neighborhood - especially those who make 60 to 100 percent of the area median income. Despite the good intentions, the solution did not take into account financial challenges such as bad credit, which hinders the ability to purchase a home or the expenses of owning a home, which can lead to debt.

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Guaranteed Income in Jackson Designed By Black Moms for Black Moms, Showing Results for Black Moms

Oscar Perry Abello

March 23, 2021 |

Next City |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

Beneficiaries of a guaranteed income program in Mississippi have received monthly cash payments that they are free to spend however they need to. Known as Magnolia Mothers, the program has allowed mothers to pay off debt, invest in business, avoid predatory loans, and consider educational opportunities that can help increase their income and quality of life.

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Mississauga company reduces electronic waste & offers computers to those who can't afford them

Nida Zafar

March 18, 2021 |

The Pointer |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Canada, Mississauga, Ontario

Older electronics are being refurbished and redistributed to those in need by Renewed Computer Technology. The federally funded, Canadian nonprofit collected 13,500 computers and laptops last year for schools, libraries, and charities. RCT also provides steeply discounted electronics for economically disadvantaged families in addition to affordable high-speed internet access.

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Using satellite photos to help distribute cash

Hannah Gelbart

March 16, 2021 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Togo

Togo distributed money to people in need, including informal sector workers, by identifying them using machine learning. Algorithms search satellite photos for clues of poverty, using measures like building density, and individuals within those areas are found using mobile phone data as a proxy of their wealth. Media campaigns also encourage people to apply for assistance. Once eligibility is confirmed, the first of five monthly payments is instantly sent to their phone and can be collected at local pick-up points. People without mobile phones can use an inexpensive SIM card in a borrowed phone.

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The Biggest Payoff From Stockton's Basic Income Program: Jobs

Sarah Holder

March 05, 2021 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Stockton, California

A guaranteed income pilot program in Stockton increased full-time employment rates among recipients. Cash payments improved mental health and gave participants the stability, bandwidth, and time to apply and interview for jobs.

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Stockton's Basic-Income Experiment Pays Off

Annie Lowrey

March 03, 2021 |

The Atlantic |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Stockton, California

A pilot project provided residents who made less than the median income in Stockton, California, with monthly cash payments. The extra money helped recipients secure employment, avoid housing instability, handle unexpected expenses that would otherwise derail their budgets, reduce debt, improve mental health, and help friends and family when necessary. A nationwide initiative is expanding the program to other cities as well.

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Guaranteed income programs could give low-income women a lifeline

Chabeli Carrazana

February 22, 2021 |

The 19th |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

Guaranteed income pilot programs have created a crucial safety net, especially for women of color who have experienced poverty disproportionately after the onset of the pandemic. The once-fringe idea has gained popularity following the federal government’s multiple stimulus checks that the majority of Americans have qualified for.

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Seattle Bets on Equitable Development

Isabella Garcia

February 17, 2021 |

Yes! Magazine |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Seattle, Washington

An Equitable Development Initiative was launched as a result of a racial equity analysis that gauged the effect that Seattle’s economic growth would have on communities of color. Funding for the initiative has gone toward capital for these communities to purchase real estate and develop projects that build up affordable housing, child care, food security, and other issues that would best serve longtime residents and prevent gentrification.

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The Bakery That's Owned by an Idea

Oscar Perry Abello

February 16, 2021 |

Next City |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

Firebrand Artisan Breads hires people with high barriers to employment, such as people experiencing homelessness or who were formerly incarcerated. The higher-than-minimum-wage starting salary, paid time off, and insurance benefits provide sustainable and secure employment to people whose life circumstances make it harder to get a job. In order to raise capital while maintaining their employment model, the owner worked with lawyers to become a perpetual purpose trust, an alternative ownership model that allows the company to sell shares to private investors while ensuring their principles remain in place.

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