DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) this week announced a new $1.5 million direct cash transfer pilot program Strong Families, Strong Future DC, to support maternal health and advance economic mobility.
The program which will be managed by local nonprofit organization Martha’s Table will provide $900 per month for one year to 132 new and expectant mothers in Wards 5, 7, and 8.
Having a newborn is a big life change, and we also know how critical those first months and years are to a baby’s life. This program is about supporting new and expectant moms with cash so that they can have the autonomy and flexibility to make the best choices for them and their baby. The Strong Families, Strong Future DC pilot builds on the work we’ve done to address disparities in maternal health outcomes, make high-quality child care more affordable and accessible, and ensure women are at the heart of our equitable economic recovery strategy. – Mayor Bowser
