H.R.2475 - Youth Homelessness Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2475, the "Youth Homelessness Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act of 2025," aims to establish a pilot program providing financial and non-financial housing assistance to homeless youth and young adults. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a database of homeless individuals and select up to 105,000 participants for the program. Participants will receive housing navigation, financial coaching, workforce development, and educational attainment services, as well as potential cash payments of $1,400 per month or the adjusted fair market rent cost.
Expected Effects
The bill's implementation would likely result in a reduction in youth homelessness through direct financial assistance and supportive services. A study will be conducted to assess the program's impact on housing outcomes, microeconomic factors, health, and the feasibility of expanding direct cash transfers to combat homelessness. The creation of a National Youth Economic Advisory Council will provide ongoing recommendations for program improvement.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Homelessness: Direct financial assistance and housing services can help homeless youth secure stable housing.
- Improved Economic Well-being: Cash payments and workforce development services can improve participants' financial stability and employment prospects.
- Enhanced Health Outcomes: Stable housing and income can lead to better physical and mental health for participants.
- Data-Driven Policy: The study will provide valuable data on the effectiveness of guaranteed income programs in addressing homelessness.
- Support for Marginalized Communities: The program prioritizes assistance to historically marginalized communities and socially disadvantaged groups.
Potential Disadvantages
- Cost: Implementing the pilot program and providing cash payments to a large number of participants could be expensive.
- Potential for Mismanagement: The creation of a new database and advisory council could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- Dependency Concerns: Some critics may argue that guaranteed income programs can create dependency on government assistance.
- Selection Bias: The selection criteria for pilot program participants may inadvertently exclude some deserving individuals.
- Privacy Concerns: The collection and storage of personal information in the database could raise privacy concerns, despite the bill's privacy protections.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on promoting the general welfare aligns with the broad objectives stated in the Preamble of the US Constitution. Congress's power to legislate on issues related to housing and poverty can be inferred from its authority to tax and spend for the general welfare (Article I, Section 8). The bill's provisions for data collection and privacy protections must be carefully scrutinized to ensure compliance with the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).