Scientists Gave Homeless People $7,500, Here’s How They Spent It
What is the best way to give back?
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We’ve all heard the story:
Never give a homeless person money.
- Give them food instead.
- Give them clothes instead.
- Give them your time instead.
Otherwise they’ll buy:
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
But is this even true?
That’s exactly what a group of scientists wanted to figure out.
So they gave a group of 50 homeless people $7,500 each and monitored exactly how they spent their coin.
The results are truly surprising.
Giving 50 homeless people $7500 each
In the vibrant backdrop of Vancouver, something remarkable was taking shape. The New Leaf Project, a venture by the Foundations for Social Change and the University of British Columbia, was all set to challenge some entrenched beliefs about homelessness.
Here’s how it unfolded:
- Identify 50 individuals who had recently become homeless.
- Hand each of them a cheque for $7,500 (CAD), no strings attached.
The goal: Foster a fresh start and instill a renewed sense of confidence.
Imagine stepping into Ray’s shoes, a man in his 50s who suddenly found a beacon of hope through this project.
The journey began with:
- Opening a bank account: A simple yet empowering step that marked the beginning of newfound financial independence.
- The realization: A week to absorb the reality that a golden opportunity to rebuild life was now within grasp.
As the clock ticked, the project team kept a watchful eye on these individuals, embarking on a journey marked by:
- Periodic check-ins: To gauge the progress and the transformative journey each participant was undertaking.
- Control group insights: A parallel study involving 65 individuals navigating life without the financial boost but with…
