Prince George's County steers guaranteed income program

How it works: Fifty people between the ages of 18 and 24 who aged out of the foster care system are part of the program, along with 125 seniors.

• There are no strings attached or requirements for employment.

What they're saying: "We recognize that by giving funds to our low-income residents, we afford them the opportunity to choose what they want to do with their time, to find more stable jobs, to gain new skills, and to spend more time with their families," the county said last week in announcing the program.

• The cash payments are funded by the Greater Washington Community Foundation, the county, and the Meyer Foundation.

The big picture: Cities nationwide are using cash assistance for people experiencing homelessness and those in poverty, often relying on philanthropic contributions.

• A nonprofit in D.C. provides monthly cash assistance to Black mothers whose children are in the child welfare system.
• Montgomery County began piloting a guaranteed income program last year, following Arlington and other Northern Virginia localities.