Part of the "SOUTH COLUMBUS SOUL" initiative
Soul Support is a bold and comprehensive pilot initiative designed to support South Columbus residents through direct cash assistance, workforce development, entrepreneurial empowerment, and additional subsidies for common barriers such as childcare, transportation, and internet access. The S.O.U.L. program would provide a minimum monthly income of $500 through prepaid cards for two years, beginning with 50 families in Phase 1 and expanding to 100 families in Phase 2. The initiative also links recipients to workforce development, job placement, training, education, entrepreneurial support, and the City of Columbus’ Neighborhood Navigator program.
Tracks Workforce Development Pilot funding.
Tracks additional monthly subsidy for S.O.U.L. participants also enrolled in workforce development or education programming.
Tracks S.O.U.L. Pilot Funding for 50 people receiving $500 per month for 24 months.
Tracks barrier-reduction stipend participants receiving additional subsidy support for barriers such as childcare, transportation, and internet.
Tracks duration of the S.O.U.L. guaranteed income pilot.
Tracks S.O.U.L. pilot participants receiving guaranteed income support through prepaid cards.
Tracks enrollment in higher education or vocational training programs.
Tracks reduction of the Gini coefficient as a measure of income inequality.
Tracks reduction in unemployment rate among the target population.
Tracks public support for the S.O.U.L. program through approval ratings.
Tracks Phase 2 participants receiving workforce development support.
Tracks total project cost for the Soul Support initiative.
Tracks new businesses created by recipients through entrepreneurial support and business development pathways.
Tracks direct cash assistance amount provided to S.O.U.L. participants each month.
Tracks annual cost of the Program Administrator.
Tracks Phase 2 expansion of guaranteed income support.
Tracks program administration staffing.
Tracks Workforce Development Phase 2 funding.
Tracks upward socio-economic movement among participants over two years.
Tracks health indicator improvements such as reduced hospitalization rates, lower stress levels, or improved mental health.
Tracks increased labor force participation among program participants.
Tracks pilot participants receiving workforce development support.
Tracks Phase 2 barrier-reduction stipend participants.
Tracks reduction in poverty among S.O.U.L. participants and South Columbus residents.
Tracks S.O.U.L. Phase 2 Funding for 100 people receiving $500 per month for 24 months.
Tracks reduction of late bill payments among recipients receiving direct cash assistance.
Tracks full-time employment gains among South Columbus residents.
Total project cost shown is $2,220,000. Budget includes S.O.U.L. Pilot Funding at $600,000 for 50 people receiving $500 per month for 24 months, Workforce Development Pilot at $75,000 for 25 people, Barrier Reduction Stipend Pilot at $45,000 for 25 people receiving $150 per month for 12 months, S.O.U.L. Phase 2 Funding at $1,200,000 for 100 people receiving $500 per month for 24 months, Workforce Development Phase 2 at $150,000 for 50 people, Phase 2 Barrier Reduction Stipend at $90,000 for 50 people receiving $150 per month for 12 months, and one Program Administrator at $60,000 annually.