Durham County commissioners approved $1.69 million in guaranteed income payments for 1,690 families on August 14, the most substantial of several major funding decisions made during the regular meeting. Families with children will receive $750 per month for one year through the program, which commissioners co-founded using American Rescue Plan funds. Participants can earn an additional $100 monthly through surveys, bringing the total possible assistance to $850 per month. The program targets families living paycheck-to-paycheck, those one emergency away from financial hardship, and is modeled on successful initiatives in Chicago and other cities.
Beyond guaranteed income, commissioners approved over $3 million in youth enrichment contracts, including summer camps, dance programs, and after-school services through providers like Parks & Recreation, Empower Dance, and World Relief Durham. The approvals represent the first wave of broader ARPA funding allocations, with commissioners approving $10.4 million total across 45 organizations from 75 nonprofit applicants seeking $20 million combined. Commissioner Carter abstained from voting on Museum of Life and Science funding due to existing board service but expressed support for all programs.
One email a week — new spots, neighborhood intel, and what's actually worth your time.