The “In Her Hands” program in Atlanta, Georgia, launched in 2022 by The Georgia Resilience and Opportunity Fund and GiveDirectly, has provided $850 per month to low-income Black women over a two-year period. This initiative aimed to support 650 women residing in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, College Park, and Clay, Randolph, and Terrell counties. Its primary goal was to alleviate financial burdens such as rent and childcare expenses while offering crucial financial guidance and additional forms of support.
Shamarra Woods, a 31-year-old single mother, expressed how the monthly stipends enabled her to purchase essentials like clothes, diapers, and daycare services for her daughter, significantly reducing her financial stress and allowing her to concentrate on her employment. A report after the program’s first year revealed that recipients experienced greater financial stability, with fewer instances of missed bill payments, utility cutoffs, or eviction notices compared to non-participants. Many women also used the funds to pursue educational opportunities and improve their housing situations.
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Despite encountering opposition from legal and political quarters, the program’s organizers are committed to continuing their support for low-income women. A new phase of the initiative commenced in May, offering expanded payment options to reach more participants. Looking ahead, there are plans to launch a “baby bonds” program in 2025 aimed at tackling infant and childhood poverty. According to Woods, the program has laid a solid foundation for herself and her daughter to build a better future.
