Building Stability Through
Community & Connection
What is Micro - Income and Why Does it Matter?
Micro-income provides small but guaranteed monthly payments that help people cover essential needs like transportation, phone service, food, hygiene supplies, or job-search costs. Even a modest, predictable income can reduce daily stress, prevent emergencies, and give people the breathing room needed to make progress and plan ahead.
​
Micro-income is not designed to replace a job. Instead, it provides a stable foundation that supports dignity, opportunity, and the chance to work toward long-term goals while staying connected and making progress.
​
Studies from programs around the U.S. show that micro-income can:​
Reliable monthly support
Improve job stability
Increase access to health and support services
Strengthen community
connection
​Micro-income doesn’t fix everything right away. It’s about giving people enough stability so they can take their next step with confidence.
Portland and the Pacific Northwest are dealing with a serious housing instability crisis. Higher rents, fewer available homes, slow wage growth, and limited social services have left thousands struggling to meet their basic needs. Without steady income or safe community spaces, even getting food, transportation, healthcare, and communication can be a daily challenge. These struggles make it even harder for people to find housing, stay healthy, and keep jobs.
(Infographic describing issues in Portland)
These numbers reflect more than just statistics. They show that our system reacts to crises instead of preventing them. Quick fixes will not solve a problem that has lasted for years. To break this cycle, Portland needs stable, dignified, and consistent solutions.​
​Combining micro-income programs with strong community support offers a path forward. This approach focuses on prevention, building connections, and creating long-term stability. It helps lay the groundwork for people to feel they belong and can trust their community.
Why Stability Matters
Our Approach to Stability
Our solution is a micro-income program paired with community-based outreach. Together, these two pieces create a foundation of stability that supports the immediate needs of individuals and the long-term health of our neighborhoods.
​
The PNW Stability Project uses two main tools:
Micro-Income
Small but steady monthly payments to help cover basic needs, reduce daily stress, and give people facing housing insecurity a more stable financial base.
Community Anchors
We encourage regular use of trusted public places like libraries, community centers, churches, and local nonprofits. ​
Here, people can find:
-
Safety
-
Technology and Wi-Fi
-
Supportive staff
-
Routine and structure
-
Resource navigation
By combining micro-income and community anchors, we help build a sense of stability, belonging, and trust. This also means people rely less on emergency and crisis services.
Why This Idea Deserves Attention
Cities across the U.S. have tested guaranteed income and micro-income programs. Early results show better housing stability, mental health, and employment outcomes for participants. Our project uses these lessons to explore how this could work in the Pacific Northwest.
Research Works -
An Approach that Makes a Difference Across the Country
Pilots around the country, proven to work:
– Austin
– Newark
– Stockton trial
– Denver program
– San Francisco
and more...
Voices from the Community
Now I just make ends meet. I can purchase necessities when I need them. I don’t have to choose between taking a day off for doctor appointments or paying a bill.
​I couldn’t sleep at night because I was worried about how I was going to pay student loans, personal loans, and my car payment. These payments have allowed me to pay for these things.