Program Launch: Applications for the Pomona Household Universal Grants Program (Pomona HUG) will begin on June 17. This pilot initiative aims to assist families in Pomona, California, by offering financial support to parents with young children, providing much-needed relief and stability over the course of 18 months.
Eligibility: To qualify for the Pomona HUG program, applicants must be residents of Pomona, California, at the time of application and be 18 years of age or older. Additionally, they must be the parent or legal guardian of a child under four years old.
Application Requirements: Applicants will need to provide several documents to verify their eligibility. These include proof of identification (such as a driver's license or state ID), proof of residency in Pomona (such as a recent utility bill, rental agreement, or mortgage statement), and documentation for their child (such as a birth certificate).
Selection Process: A total of 600 eligible applicants will be randomly selected through a lottery system. Out of these, 250 participants will receive the $500 monthly payment along with additional resources and support services.
Monitoring: The program's effectiveness and outcomes will be monitored by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). They will track the progress of both the stipend recipients and the control group, comparing various metrics to assess the impact of the financial assistance on participants' lives, economic stability, and overall well-being.
Funding: The Pomona HUG program is funded with $2.4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. This $1.9 trillion federal bill, passed by the Biden administration in 2021, was designed to aid in the country's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, providing states and local governments with resources to support their communities.
Application Period: The application window for the Pomona HUG program opens on June 17 at 8 a.m. PT and will close on July 8. During this period, eligible residents must submit their applications along with the required documents. It is crucial to apply within this timeframe to be considered for the lottery selection process.
Significance: The Pomona HUG program is a significant initiative aimed at providing financial relief and support to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. By offering a monthly stipend, the program seeks to alleviate financial stress, enhance economic stability.