'Lifesaver': Salem Basic Income Recipients Cheer Pilot Program's Merits

SALEM, MA — Recipients of Salem's "basic income" pilot program lauded the life, family, food and housing security benefits of the Uplift Salem program that provided $500 monthly for one year in 2025.

The results of the program were discussed at a Salem State University forum this week after the city partnered with UpTogether for the program designed to make Salem "an affordable place for everyone."

Salem used COVID-era Affordable Care Act funding to help supplement the program.

• Salem 'Guaranteed Income' Program Draws 'Astounding' Response
• Salem To Give Residents $500 Monthly 'Guaranteed Income' For 1 Year

"One thing we saw again and again in this pilot was that when people are living in chronic poverty, the persistent needs of getting through the day make it incredibly difficult to focus on your own needs," said Sarah Roy, director of the Salem Children's Alliance and team lead on Uplift Salem. "When people have a little breathing room, they say, 'I can use this to make choices for me — to get a bus ticket or get my car repaired, so I can go to the grocery store.'

"That ember of hope has a huge impact on everything — the economy, health care, childcare, domestic violence support."

The program, announced in late 2024, drew 350 applicants for 100 spots within 24 hours of the process opening.

Those who were chosen for the pilot reported "overwhelming gratitude and high praise for the program, crediting it with a broad array of impacts that range from being able to afford groceries to avoiding homelessness."

The data from the program, along with testimonials from city officials and those receiving the money, were heard during a panel discussion at SSU called "Restoring Dignity and Quality of Life through Guaranteed Basic Income Programs."

The data showed that 77 percent of participants reported being "extremely satisfied" with the program as it ended in November, with 10.6 percent feeling somewhat satisfied, and a handful expressing dissatisfaction with the program.

The report said the majority of those involved in the program said they felt better prepared to sustain their living requirements when the program funding ended.

The report did not address the financial cost or feasibility of continuing the program for those involved in 2025, or expanding to include more city residents in the future.

According to presenters:

• Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. For most participants, the impact of Uplift Salem exceeded their expectations relative to their overall quality of life, housing and health.
• A strong majority of participants self-reported that their participation in the program resulted in positive changes relative to:
  • Overall life satisfaction
  • A greater sense of control over finances and saving money for the future
  • Self-efficacy related to setting and meeting goals, confidence and less worry
  • Being able to pay for things that members of their family needs, and
  • Participating more in their community
• Among respondents who are responsible for children under the age of 18, three-quarters reported spending more time with their children.
• As the program ended in November, 37% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement that they are better prepared to deal with unexpected challenges, which was 10% higher than in August.
• Participants overwhelmingly described the Uplift Salem program as a critical source of financial stability, housing security and emotional relief, with many emphasizing reduced stress, increased hope and an enhanced ability to care for their families and engage with their communities.
• Expressions of gratitude were widespread, and many respondents characterized the program as transformative or lifesaving, while noting a strong desire for the program to continue or be extended.

The most frequently cited theme was the role of Uplift Salem in improving participants' ability to meet their basic needs such as food, clothing, transportation, and monthly expenses.

Multiple respondents described the monthly cash payments as a "lifesaver" that allowed them to purchase necessities without constant trade-offs or deprivation. Participants described the relief they felt being able to shop without fear of running out of money or having to put items back at checkout.

"The data from the SSU research partners demonstrated that programs like Uplift Salem provide a broad community benefit: When neighbors have more consistent access to supports like healthcare, childcare and transportation, it improves the community overall," Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. "It increases employment, strengthens our economy and helps children thrive in school.

"These are investments in the integrity and strength of our community as a whole."