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Momentos: Photographs by ELEVATE Concord Families
Guaranteed income pilots like ELEVATE Concord provide a foundation for families to build healthier lives. They empower families to set future goals, take control of their employment, improve mental health by reducing income volatility, and save for unexpected emergencies.
In partnership with the City of Concord, Monument Impact launched the city’s first Guaranteed Income pilot, offering unrestricted monthly stipends to 120 families. As we approached one year of monthly payments, we wanted to connect with ELEVATE Concord families to understand how this extra cash has impacted their daily lives. Earlier this fall, we curated Momentos, a photo walk showcasing images taken by participants that highlight the achievements made possible by unrestricted cash.
This collection offers a glimpse into the lives of families living below the annual median income, highlighting both their joys and struggles. Here are some of their stories and photos.
Interviews with Families
Click on the photos above to listen to their individual stories.
Momentos by Adriana, Elena, Magali, Nerys and Rebeca
Money represents so much more than just cash; it embodies safety, time, and joy. Over four months, five families were given disposable film cameras to document their daily lives. They received guiding questions like, “What do you do in the summertime? How do you play? What are your favorite foods? Who cooks meals in your home?” More importantly, participants were encouraged to capture the people, places, activities, and things that matter most to them.
