New Research! Rise Up Cambridge: Promoting Economic Stability Through Cash Assistance

We know cash works, and a new evaluation by MDRC reinforces this fact. CEOC is proud to have partnered with the Cambridge Community Foundation and the City of Cambridge/Mayor's Office on Rise Up Cambridge, the first non-lottery guaranteed income program in the country that provided $500 per month to families at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line.

A new evaluation by MDRC reinforces what we heard directly from participants: unrestricted cash assistance is a powerful tool for reducing financial stress and helping families meet their basic needs. Families overwhelmingly used the funds for essentials like food, housing, and emergency expenses, and nearly all reported feeling less anxiety while receiving payments. In a city as expensive as Cambridge, this kind of flexible support gave families breathing room—allowing parents to spend more time with their children, avoid crises, and make decisions that best fit their circumstances.

At the same time, the findings underscore an important reality: while direct cash provides meaningful short-term stability, it is not a standalone solution to poverty, and $500 may not be enough. Many families—especially those with the lowest incomes—continued to face financial hardship even during the program, and often saw stress return after payments ended. That’s why this research matters. It shows that cash works, that families can be trusted to use it wisely, and that programs like Rise Up Cambridge should be a key part of a broader, sustained strategy to advance economic stability. As CEOC continues its work to fight poverty in our community, we see direct cash assistance not as a temporary fix, but as an essential, evidence-backed investment in the dignity, stability, and well-being of Cambridge families.

You can read the full research report here.