Guaranteed Income for Homelessness and Housing Stability

(SVGIP Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Celeste Enriquez

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Disqualifiers: Substance use, Alcohol use, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

300 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how providing families experiencing homelessness or unstable housing in Santa Clara County, California, with a guaranteed monthly income of $1,000 for two years can help them secure stable housing and enhance their overall well-being. Researchers aim to determine whether regular payments or a larger initial payment more effectively improve housing stability and health outcomes. Families who may qualify include those living in temporary accommodations or without a formal lease and having at least one child under 18. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to innovative solutions for housing instability.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that guaranteed income is safe for families experiencing homelessness or housing instability?

Research shows that guaranteed income programs are safe for participants. Studies have found that people use these regular, unconditional cash payments for basic needs like housing, food, and transportation, which helps them achieve greater financial stability.

No evidence indicates that receiving these payments harms participants. Instead, these programs often lead to better financial health, more job opportunities, and improved mental well-being. Over 120 similar pilot programs have been conducted in the U.S., consistently showing positive effects without any reported negative impacts.

Therefore, considering participation in a guaranteed income trial appears to be a safe choice that could enhance financial stability and overall well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Guaranteed Income treatment for homelessness and housing stability because it offers a novel approach by providing direct financial support. Unlike traditional methods that rely on public benefits and social services, this treatment gives participants $1,000 per month for 24 months, aiming to directly alleviate financial insecurity. This approach could empower individuals to make decisions that improve their housing and overall stability, potentially leading to sustainable change in their living conditions. By directly addressing financial needs, this treatment may offer a more immediate and flexible solution compared to current assistance programs.

What evidence suggests that guaranteed income might be an effective treatment for homelessness and housing stability?

Research has shown that guaranteed income, which participants in the intervention group of this trial will receive, can greatly enhance housing stability and overall well-being. Studies have found that cash payments help people manage emergency costs and save more money. This financial support can lead to improved housing situations and make it easier for families to meet basic needs. Additionally, guaranteed income is associated with better mental and physical health, as well as increased financial security. These findings suggest that providing a steady cash flow might help families facing homelessness or housing instability achieve greater stability and improve their quality of life. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Oanh K Nguyen, MD, MAS

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 in Santa Clara County who are homeless or have unstable housing, with or without children. They must be at risk of eviction or living temporarily in hotels/motels or doubled up due to lack of housing. Participants should score 4-8 on the VI-SPDAT, indicating they're suitable for rapid rehousing programs. Those with severe substance abuse issues or alcohol disorders can't join.

Inclusion Criteria

Experiencing homelessness as defined by the HEARTH Act or living in a temporary residence

Residing in a space without a legal right to the space and at threat of being asked to leave at any time

Being in a shared living situation intended to be temporary

Exclusion Criteria

Substantial to severe level of problematic substance use as defined by the validated Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10)

Hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption

Active and severe alcohol use disorder as defined by the validated Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive guaranteed income payments of $1,000/month for 24 months or a hybrid payment schedule

24 months

Monthly assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for housing stability, health, and well-being outcomes

12 months

Assessments at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Guaranteed Income
• Public Benefits Information Session

Trial Overview The study tests if guaranteed income ($1,000 monthly for two years) improves homelessness and housing stability among affected families. It also examines health and well-being impacts and compares preferences between consistent monthly payments versus a larger initial sum followed by smaller amounts.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Guaranteed Income Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in the intervention group will receive guaranteed income gift payments equivalent to $1,000/month for a total of 24 months in addition to usual care. They will also have the option to attend the same Public Benefits Information Session being offered to the control group as above.

Group II: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in the active comparator control group will receive usual care, which includes usual public benefit, assistance and social service programs that are available at the local, county, state, and federal levels to all residents of Santa Clara County. They will also be offered the option to attend a Public Benefits Information Session.

Guaranteed Income is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Guaranteed Income for:

• Homelessness prevention
• Housing stability support
• Financial assistance for low-income families

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+

Destination: Home SV

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

300+

Sí Se Puede Collective

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

300+

Sacred Heart Community Service

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

300+

County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

300+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study involving 131 individuals receiving a $500 monthly guaranteed income for 2 years showed significant improvements in health and financial stability, including lower income volatility and reduced mental distress.

Participants reported better physical functioning and greater agency in pursuing employment and caregiving opportunities, suggesting that guaranteed income can be an effective public health intervention to enhance overall wellbeing.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Guaranteed Income on Health, Finances, and Agency: Findings from the Stockton Randomized Controlled Trial. West, S., Castro, A.[2023]

Cash transfers and guaranteed income programs are being explored as effective solutions to address income volatility, particularly in the context of recent economic challenges.

Stockton's guaranteed income experiment demonstrates that these programs can be designed to work alongside existing safety net benefits, ensuring that recipients do not lose essential support while receiving additional financial assistance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mitigating loss of health insurance and means tested benefits in an unconditional cash transfer experiment: Implementation lessons from Stockton's guaranteed income pilot. Baker, AC., Martin-West, S., Samra, S., et al.[2020]

A one-time unconditional cash transfer of CAD$7,500 to individuals experiencing homelessness led to fewer days spent homeless, increased savings, and no rise in spending on temptation goods over one year, indicating effective financial management by recipients.

The study also highlighted public mistrust regarding homeless individuals' ability to manage money, suggesting that targeted messaging could enhance public support for cash transfer policies aimed at reducing homelessness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Unconditional cash transfers reduce homelessness. Dwyer, R., Palepu, A., Williams, C., et al.[2023]

This study will assess the impact of financial incentives on service engagement among adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness, with participants receiving $20 for weekly meetings with program providers over a 6-month period.

The research aims to provide valuable evidence on the effectiveness and acceptability of financial incentives in improving health-related outcomes, using both quantitative measures of service engagement and qualitative insights from participant interviews.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Impact of Financial Incentives on Service Engagement Among Adults Experiencing Homelessness and Mental Illness: A Pragmatic Trial Protocol. Reid, N., Nisenbaum, R., Hwang, SW., et al.[2021]

Less than half of the homeless adults in the study were receiving entitlement income at the start, and many lost their benefits over the 15-month follow-up period, highlighting the instability of these income sources.

Certain groups, such as black women with children and those reporting disabilities, were more likely to continue receiving entitlement income, while individuals with dual disorders faced a significantly higher risk of benefit termination.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A longitudinal perspective on entitlement income among homeless adults. Zlotnick, C., Robertson, MJ., Lahiff, M.[2022]

Implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) could significantly reduce cases of anxiety and depression among young people in England, with potential prevention of up to 550,000 cases by 2030 depending on the scheme level.

The financial benefits of UBI are substantial, with estimated savings to the National Health Service and social services ranging from £330 million to £930 million, and total cost savings potentially reaching £4.2 billion, highlighting its economic viability alongside mental health benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quantifying the mental health and economic impacts of prospective Universal Basic Income schemes among young people in the UK: a microsimulation modelling study. Chen, T., Reed, H., Parra-Mujica, F., et al.[2023]

The Doorway program, which allows participants to choose their own rental properties with support, significantly improved mental health outcomes for 55 out of 59 participants, as indicated by reductions in behavioral symptoms and distress.

Participants also experienced a notable decrease in the use of mental health services and hospital admissions, leading to substantial cost savings for the government, suggesting that this innovative housing model could be effective and beneficial on a larger scale.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of an integrated housing and recovery model for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses: the Doorway program. Dunt, DR., Benoy, AW., Phillipou, A., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of 43 studies involving various housing interventions found that these programs significantly reduce homelessness and improve housing stability compared to usual services, with most studies conducted in the USA.

Interventions such as High Intensity Case Management and Housing First showed similar effectiveness, but the review highlighted a need for better quality evidence and identified gaps in research, particularly regarding disadvantaged youth and non-abstinence contingent housing.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of interventions to reduce homelessness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Munthe-Kaas, HM., Berg, RC., Blaasvær, N.[2023]

A systematic review of 27 studies on basic income-like interventions found mixed health effects, with notable positive impacts on outcomes like birthweight and mental health, but no significant effects on other health measures.

Employment outcomes varied, showing mostly small effects for men and larger positive effects for women with young children, suggesting that basic income may not lead to significant job loss and could improve certain socioeconomic conditions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The public health effects of interventions similar to basic income: a scoping review. Gibson, M., Hearty, W., Craig, P.[2023]

Permanent supportive housing significantly improved long-term housing stability for homeless individuals, particularly those with high support needs, compared to usual care, with a rate ratio of 1.42.

Income assistance interventions, especially housing subsidies combined with case management, also led to increased days of stable housing, demonstrating effectiveness in reducing homelessness, although their impact on mental health and employment outcomes remains unclear.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of permanent supportive housing and income assistance interventions for homeless individuals in high-income countries: a systematic review. Aubry, T., Bloch, G., Brcic, V., et al.[2022]

Basic income interventions, such as unconditional cash transfers, have shown potential to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, including reductions in poverty and improvements in quality of life, based on a review of ten studies.

While the existing trials indicate positive impacts, more long-term studies are needed to strengthen the evidence on how basic income programs can effectively reduce health inequities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How, why and for whom does a basic income contribute to health and wellbeing: a systematic review. McKay, FH., Bennett, R., Dunn, M.[2023]

Citations

1. urban.org urban.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/Guaranteed%20Income%20as%20a%20Mechanism%20for%20Promoting%20Housing%20Stability.pdf

Guaranteed Income as a Mechanism for Promoting ... A broad scan of the literature on guaranteed income reveals that cash infusion can have deep impacts on housing outcomes and other basic needs. Not surprisingly ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11180702/

Effects of guaranteed basic income interventions on poverty ... Effects of guaranteed basic income interventions on poverty‐related outcomes in high‐income countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

3. urbanlabs.uchicago.edu urbanlabs.uchicago.edu/attachments/5ff88f36218ed7d9bee03d8b2e3f5e87998b51c9/store/71b4d2b6c98f6d7d0e4b8e5ac62db72a0139a748a1dc59ee192309d9e7cf/092024+IEL+GI+Literature+Review.pdf

A summary of existing research on guaranteed income. Guaranteed income has gained momentum as a potential solution to income inequality and poverty in the United States, with over 120 pilots in process or ...

4. dworakpeck.usc.edu dworakpeck.usc.edu/news/guaranteed-income-study-finds-meaningful-results-for-people-experiencing-homelessness-cash

Guaranteed income study finds meaningful results for people ... Outcomes were measured in housing stability, financial security, employment, physical and mental health, substance use and future outlook.

5. sp2.upenn.edu sp2.upenn.edu/groundbreaking-experiments-with-guaranteed-income-for-formerly-incarcerated-individuals-show-promising-results/

Groundbreaking experiments with guaranteed income for ... Improved ability to cover emergency expenses; · Increased savings; · Strengthened ability to help others, especially financially; · Enhanced ...

6. library.ca.gov library.ca.gov/crb/nexus/briefs/guaranteed-income-health/

Does Guaranteed Income (Unconditional Cash) Improve ... ... data show that recipients spend the money on basic needs such as housing, food, and transportation to establish financial stability. For recipients who ...

7. prnewswire.com prnewswire.com/news-releases/results-are-in-for-more-than-two-dozen-guaranteed-income-studies-302595579.html

RESULTS ARE IN FOR MORE THAN TWO DOZEN ... In addition to improved financial stability, researchers find increased employment, better mental health and other key benefits.

8. basicincome.org basicincome.org/news/2025/10/mayors-counties-and-legislators-for-a-guaranteed-income-release-reports-on-25-pilot-programs-in-the-u-s/

Mayors, Counties, and Legislators for a Guaranteed ... Improved financial resilience: Over and over again, researchers found a temporary or sustained increase in recipients' financial stability. Many ...