Reaching Every Corner of Columbia County

Columbia County, N.Y. 

BTCF Guaranteed Income for Columbia County will reach 42 families—two in each of Columbia County’s 21 towns—ensuring that this investment touches every part of the county, from Ancram to Valatie. 

This two-year guaranteed income pilot program provides monthly payments of $500 to single-caregiver households with children aged six and under. 

By offering unrestricted monthly income, this pilot provides greater financial stability and flexibility—helping caregivers meet basic needs, spend more time with their children, and pursue work, education, or training to build a stronger future. 

Learn more: greaterhudsonpromise.org/btcf-gicc

The Power of Supporting Single Caregivers 

Families experience greater housing stability, nutrition, and improved mental health. 

Research on guaranteed income consistently shows particularly strong outcomes for single mothers—who make up most single-caregiver households—and their children. When they receive direct, unconditional financial support, the benefits ripple outward: children are healthier, happier, and more prepared for school and life in general.

Inclusive Approach

In recognition that any solo adult can face significant challenges balancing caregiving, earning income, and planning for the future, this pilot encourages participation of eligible single mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other primary caregivers raising children without the support of another adult in the home.

Impact of Guaranteed Income Programs

  • Improved mental and physical health for caregivers and children
  • Positive influence on early childhood development
  • Greater housing and food security for families
  • Improved employment stability for caregivers
  • Increased access to childcare and health care
  • Expanded opportunities for education and advancement for caregivers

The above information is based on research from other guaranteed income programs in the United States.

Columbia County: What the Data Tells Us

Many families in Columbia County are struggling to meet basic needs—especially single-caregiver households with young children.  BTCF Guaranteed Income pilot is designed to address common barriers to income stability.

Key Data Points

  • Below the poverty line: 259 households in Columbia County are led by single mothers living below the poverty line, and over 700 households receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
  • County Median income: The median income for single-mother households is $35,268, compared to $120,828 for married-couple families—an $85,000 income gap that constrains opportunity for children growing up in these households. (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019–2023))
  • Housing costs: The average rent in Columbia County is $2,133, while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,347 (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FY 2024). A renter earning the local average wage of $13.10/hour would need to work 70 hours per week to afford even a modest two-bedroom unit.
  • Child care costs: The average monthly cost of infant care is $1,999, rivaling rent as one of the largest expenses for working families with young children. (New York Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), 2024 Child Care Market Rate Survey)

These numbers reveal what many parents already know: that hard work doesn’t always lead to stability, and that the systems in place often fall short of supporting families when they need it most.

Partnerships & Funding

This program is made possible with funding from Berkshire Taconic’s Community Fund, the Fund for Columbia County, Hudson River Bank and Trust Foundation, and the generosity of individual donors.

Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood (GHPN) brings years of experience running the HudsonUP UBI program, which laid the crucial groundwork and served as inspiration for BTCF Guaranteed Income for Columbia County. GHPN is our administrative partner that will provide direct support to participating families. 

Get Involved  

While we are not currently fundraising for this pilot phase, we very much welcome conversations with donors and community partners interested in supporting the future expansion of this work. Get in touch!

To learn more, contact Leila Kaplan.

Learn More About Our Work in Columbia County and Ways to Support It

There are many ways to give through BTCF to support residents of Columbia County. The following funds and grant opportunities improve well-being and opportunity across the county.

BTCF Guaranteed Income is about more than monthly payments—it's about changing what’s possible for families and children in Columbia County.