# Youth Homelessness Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act of 2024

This bill creates a new federal program that would give cash payments and support services to young homeless people across the United States. The program is designed as a test to see whether direct cash assistance can help young people experiencing homelessness get stable housing and improve their lives.

Here's what the program would actually do: The government would identify up to 105,000 young people between ages 18 and 29 (including emancipated minors) who are currently homeless. These participants would be selected from different parts of the country to represent the diversity of homeless youth in America. Importantly, the bill says immigration status cannot be used to exclude anyone from the program. Once selected, participants would receive three years of support, which includes monthly cash payments and various services like help finding housing, financial coaching, job training, and education assistance.

The cash payment part is significant. Half of the selected participants would randomly be chosen to receive monthly payments of either $1,400 or the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in their area—whichever is higher. These payments would continue for 36 months. Participants could choose how to receive the money: as cash, through direct bank transfer, on a prepaid debit card, or another method. They could also choose to receive their first year's payments as one lump sum instead of monthly installments. The other half of participants would receive all the support services but no cash payments, so researchers can compare outcomes between the two groups.

Beyond the cash, all participants would get help navigating the housing market, financial education, workforce development, educational support, and training on tenant rights. The program would also help them access other existing homeless assistance programs they might qualify for. The bill requires the government to study how well this program works and report back to Congress, with a focus on understanding whether guaranteed income actually helps young people escape homelessness and achieve economic stability.