Number
231925
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
210894
Sponsor
ALD. DIMITRIJEVIC, BROSTOFF, MOORE, JACKSON, PEREZ, AND BAUMAN
Title
Substitute resolution relating to participation in the Zilber Family Foundation’s The Bridge Project and appropriating funds for that purpose.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes City participation in the Zilber Family Foundation’s The Bridge Project, which provides monthly stipends to pregnant women. This file also provides $350,000 of funding from the Housing Trust Fund’s portion of the American Rescue Plan Act to support the 3-year project.
Body
Whereas, Milwaukee has the second-highest child poverty rate among the 50 most populated cities in the United States, with approximately 26.4% of children living below the poverty line; and
Whereas, Leading economists agree that early interventions in children’s well-being have the highest rate of return on investment; and
Whereas, Providing support during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life can break intergenerational cycles of toxic stress and poverty; and
Whereas, Studies show that providing unconditional cash transfer payments during pregnancy reduces the prevalence of low birth weight, increases prenatal care, and improves maternal health outcomes; and
Whereas, In April, 2024, the Zilber Family Foundation, a private grant-making institution based in Milwaukee, launched The Bridge Project, Milwaukee’s first unconditional cash program for low-income pregnant individuals, which, at current funding levels, will provide support for 100 eligible individuals for 2 years; and
Whereas, Program participants will receive a $1,125 one-time, upfront prenatal stipend, a monthly payment of $750 for the first 15 months, and $375 per month for the remaining nine months; and
Whereas, According to the eligibility criteria established by the Zilber Family Foundation and The Bridge Project for this pilot program, an eligible individual must be 18 years of age or older, 23 weeks pregna...
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