United Way’s Housing Stability Initiative to fund, expand guaranteed income programming
INDIANAPOLIS – United Way of Central Indiana has launched a Housing Stability Initiative that will fund and expand guaranteed income programming in Indianapolis.
A $2.5 million grant from United Way will support the IndyEast Guaranteed Income Initiative – a program of the IndyEast Economic Mobility District, led by John Boner Neighborhood Centers, Southeast Community Services and Edna Martin Christian Center – through 2028. The grant is funded by local philanthropists Judy and Michael Harrington, a match from the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation), and an additional anonymous donor.
Under a guaranteed income model, participants receive regular, unrestricted payments to be used at their discretion to meet the needs of their household. Data shows that guaranteed income participants spend most of their money on meeting their basic needs — and some are then able to save, find better employment and pay off debt, according to Stanford University's Guaranteed Income Pilots Dashboard.
In October, the three community centers launched this initiative with 25 eligible participants who will receive $500 a month for 18 months. Participants will also receive ongoing coaching to support housing retention, financial stability, employment and long-term well-being. More families will be added in 2026, with the goal of serving 125 households.
An independent evaluation by City Strategies and United Way will assess participant feedback and data to measure the initiative’s impact and outcomes.
In Central Indiana, wages have not kept up with rising housing costs. One in five Central Indiana renters pay 50% or more of their income on rent, and Indianapolis has a shortage of 50,000 affordable rental units for low-income households, according to data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Indianapolis has one of the highest eviction rates in the nation.
“United Way wants to change that trajectory by building on an innovative solution to stabilizing entire households,” said Shannon Jenkins, United Way’s vice president of impact. “With stable income and coaching, families can focus on long-term goals like savings, employment, education and health. When we remove barriers, we help whole families stabilize.”
This initiative builds upon the universal basic income program piloted from October 2022 to March 2024 by the Eastside Economic Mobility District with Edna Martin Christian Center, John Boner Neighborhood Centers and Southeast Community Services. That pilot was funded by the three neighborhood centers with additional support provided by the Tomberg Family Philanthropies.
During the 18-month pilot, 15 families received $500 unrestricted stipends each month. Key findings from the pilot include:
60% of households were employed full-time at the beginning of the program; 93% were employed full-time by the end. Average monthly incomes increased by about $306. Several participants increased their credit scores, and two reported paying off major debt.
Pilot participants pursued new training opportunities and credentials. At least five workforce credentials were obtained by participants, including one participant earning their high school diploma and another completing a bachelor's degree.
Participants saw improved mental health and financial security: Their focus could shift from emergencies and meeting basic needs – housing, food, utilities – to long-term stability through saving, investing and debt payments.
United Way works to distance Central Indiana households from poverty. It does that by focusing its resources on four essential areas: basic needs, early care and learning, economic mobility, and safe and affordable housing.
This initiative is part of United Way’s housing and economic mobility efforts – with the goal of stabilizing families and creating paths to secure financial futures.
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About the IndyEast Economic Mobility District
The IndyEast Economic Mobility District (IEMD) is working to create a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming district in which all families have access to the tools, resources and opportunities to achieve economic mobility and build generational wealth. The IEMD is a collective impact initiative led by John Boner Neighborhood Centers, Southeast Community Services, and Edna Martin Christian Center.
About United Way of Central Indiana
United Way of Central Indiana is uniquely positioned to bring the resources of philanthropy, businesses, local government, nonprofits and neighborhoods together to tackle generational poverty. With a focus on basic needs, early care and learning, economic mobility, and safe and affordable housing, United Way helps people live the lives they are capable of living. United Way of Central Indiana serves Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. Visit uwci.org.