Guaranteed income initiatives provide unconditional cash to individuals and families and is often used to address issues related to poverty with the understanding that people know best how to meet their own needs. The Denver Basic Income Project (DBIP) is a guaranteed income project for adults experiencing homelessness in Denver, CO. DBIP began delivering guaranteed income in October 2022. This report presents findings from a comprehensive evaluation of the first 12 months of DBIP, focusing on participant outcomes related to housing stability, financial well-being, physical and mental health, family and social networks, and public service interactions.
A total of 807 participants experiencing homelessness enrolled in DBIP, with 93% consenting to research participation. The study cohort for this evaluation report is comprised of 631 individuals who completed the Timepoint 1 survey. Participants ranged from 18 to 86 years, with significant representation across gender and racial/ ethnic identities. Notably, compared to the general unhoused population in Denver, DBIP participants demonstrated greater diversity in gender identity, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation, reflecting the project’s inclusive approach.