Miracle Money

Advancing basic income programs - grounded in dignity and connection.

Basic income programs have been increasingly tested as a pathway to overcoming barriers preventing many from accessing things like housing, food and jobs. 

Our Approach

  • A “cash plus” approach, which includes additional supports creates conditions for lasting change, allowing people to move beyond survival and toward long-term stability and self-determined success. 

  • When trust, dignity, and relational strength are built into program design, individuals are seen not just as recipients, but as drivers of their own progress. The combination of cash and connection supports agency, well-being, and a sense of belonging—key ingredients for sustainable transformation.

  • The commonly used measures for basic income program success like whether individuals secured housing, health and employment are more complex and interconnected. Building on past research approaches by measuring the “cash-plus” combination of factors around income presents a more nuanced and accurate picture of impact.

  • Those who have directly experienced housing instability have a profound understanding of their intricacies, and are best equipped to envision potential solutions. Individuals facing these challenges understand them best and are key to shaping effective solutions that foster stability, dignity, and community connection.

    + Expand Impact Measures - Consider the Full Picture

    The commonly used measures for basic income program success like whether individuals secured housing, health and employment are more complex and interconnected. Building on past research approaches by measuring the “cash-plus” combination of factors around income presents a more nuanced and accurate picture of impact.

Since 2021, we’ve distributed over $1M to unhoused friends in our social support programs.

“Basic income offers more than just financial relief— it restores people's dignity and stability. I’ve seen individuals start to breathe, planning for their futures instead of the overwhelming struggle to survive day to day. I've noticed a shift in my interactions: conversations now focus more on aspirations, goals, and even leading to the thought of permanent housing, rather than just crisis management. It is incredibly moving to witness what becomes possible when people are entrusted with the resources they need. Miracle Messages is such an amazing organization. I hope we can be able to access more resources like this to more people in the community.”

— Chris Munroe (AFC Santa Cruz)

Our Work

While closed for new enrollment, we are supporting the following active funds through 2026:  

Dignity Fund

$300 per month for 12 months for Miracle Friends engaged in long-term support through our phone buddy program.

Thriving Community Fund

$750 per month for 12 months for participants selected through partner organizations across California.

Research + Resources

Our Partners

Our basic income efforts are made possible through a range of critical partnerships:

While we are not currently accepting applications for basic income opportunities,
we’re always seeking values-aligned partners interested in exploring new cash fund approaches.  

If you, or someone we know is looking for homeless services in your area, we recommend visiting https://www.211.org/

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For more information, email money@miraclemessages.org