The economic repercussions of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are grave and far-reaching. Businesses are shutting down, economic activity is collapsing and workers across the country are being laid off.

Millions of families and individuals are left without any support. Most Americans do not have the capacity to sit at home for weeks – or months – on end and meet even basic needs.

The typical remedies offered during an economic downturn – expanded sick leave, payroll taxes, lower interest rates, loans to companies – will do nothing or next to nothing for many Americans who are being hit by the economic slowdown. The average shift worker is a temp or contractor who can be fired at will.

The most effective thing we could do is put cash into people’s hands.

Humanity Forward is committing to delivering one-time, and recurring, basic income payments to individuals and families who stand to be most impacted by the coronavirus crisis. The initial target populations will primarily consist of Americans in lower income brackets who depend on wage work to support them and their families. Our first program will be launched in the Bronx, NY, and we aim to roll out similar initiatives in the coming weeks.