HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Applications for a program to offer no-strings-attached monthly cash payments to hundreds of low-income families in Harris County open up on Friday at 9 a.m., according to Uplift Harris' website.
Editor's note: The above video was published before the program's website was updated with the application window.
The applications were originally supposed to open Monday, however, officials with Harris County Public Health told KHOU 11 News they delayed the launch because Commissioners Court wanted to discuss, and possibly act on, the guaranteed income pilot program on Tuesday.
On Tuesday afternoon, commissioners met with County Attorney Christian Menefee for nearly an hour behind closed doors in executive session during their regular meeting. Once they reconvened in open session, they said several issues were discussed, including who qualifies for the money.
Uplift Harris will be open to applicants randomly chosen from either 10 high-poverty ZIP codes in Harris County or participants of a program for people facing hardships known as ACCESS.
Nearly 2,000 residents would get $500 a month tax-free for 18 months to cover living expenses and other necessities.
According to the program's website, applications will be accepted through February 2.
Recipients from either group must be at least 18 years old with a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four, that’s up to $60,000.
“We’ve seen these models around the country where individuals are experiencing deep poverty, when they’ve had this infusion of financial assistance, whether they’re helping to offset a housing cost or utility bills or unexpected emergency expenses, that these types of funds have helped individuals climb out of deep poverty to improve self-sufficiency and well-being and greater success,” said Barbie Robinson, Executive Director of Harris County Public Health, to commissioners after the executive session ended.
Undocumented immigrants will not be qualified for the program.
Commissioner Tom Ramsey opposed the program partly because there’s no way to ensure recipients spend the money as intended.
“It’s clear that a program was approved to spend taxpayer dollars without clearly vetting the details before its launch, and questions remain,” Ramsey said in a statement released after Tuesday’s meeting. “We all know it’s never good when government meets behind closed doors.”
Menefee told Ramsey the executive session did not violate the Open Meetings Act.
One resident told Commissioners she believes Uplift Harris should include more ZIP codes and pay more money.
“Every single day, it’s harder to have food on the table,” the woman said in Spanish, through a translator. “The salary payments are low. It’s not enough just to live. We’re just surviving.”
Commissioners Court did not vote Tuesday because they previously approved Uplift Harris in June 2023.
Robinson told commissioners the first payments could go out as early as March.
