Research Overview
The Denver Basic Income Project (DBIP) is a 12-month program providing unconditional cash transfers to unhoused people living in Denver. The aims of the program are to test the feasibility and impact of guaranteed income for unhoused people.
DBIP’s research is headed by the University of Denver’s Center for Housing and Homelessness Research. Our study uses a mixed methods randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to test the impact of receiving a guaranteed basic income compared to receiving typical care and services.
RESEARCH DETAILS
Participants were placed randomly into one of three payment groups within the study:
Group A participants received 12 monthly cash payments of $1,000 for a total of $12,000 over 12 months.
Group B participants received an initial direct cash payment of $6,500 and will receive 11 monthly payments of $500 for a total of $12,000 over 12 months.
Group C participants received 12 monthly cash payments of $50 for a total of $600 over 12 months.
Quantitative Report Interim Results
After only a 6 month follow-up from the start of the program…
More participants from all groups report living in rented or owned homes.
More participants from the larger payment groups report having full-time jobs.
Fewer participants are sleeping outside and utilizing public health services (e.g. Emergency Rooms).
-
![]()
More participants in each group reported living in homes they rent or own.
-
![]()
Fewer participants reported sleeping outside. No participants in Group A reported sleeping outside at the six month follow-up.
-
![]()
More people in the larger payment groups reported having full-time jobs after 6 months.
“I went from being depressed, not having the things that I needed for me and my kids, to now, being able to get what I need for my kids…I still have anxiety, but not as bad as I used to, just knowing that my kids will be okay.”
2023 Denver Basic Income Participant
Reports
-
DBIP Interim Quantitative Report - One Pager
One page overview of the quantitative findings at the 6-month mark in our study.
-
DBIP Interim Quantitative Report
Full report of the quantitative findings at the 6-month mark in our study.
-
Denver Basic Income Project Research Methods
Learn about the full research design of DBIP’s RCT.
-
DBIP Qualitative Research Midterm Report
The qualitative findings at the 6-month mark in our study.
-
DBIP Soft Launch 2.0 Qualitative Findings Report
The qualitative findings of our second “soft launch” cohort.
-
Denver Basic Income Project Inclusion Criteria Overview
Learn about the criteria necessary for participants to be considered for the project.
