When DAP Health assumed leadership of Palm Springs’ Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot in July 2024, the stakes were high. The program, which provided $800 monthly to financially vulnerable residents, had suffered from mismanagement under a previous nonprofit partner. But under DAP Health’s stewardship, the pilot not only recovered—it delivered powerful evidence of the potential of guaranteed income to improve lives.

A final evaluation report released this month by HARC, Inc. confirms what many participants already knew: the UBI program provided more than just money—it offered breathing room, dignity, and a path forward.

A Lifeline for Participants Living on the Edge

The 14 individuals who completed the program were among the most economically marginalized in the region. Nearly half reported monthly incomes under $1,000 (even with the UBI support), and over 50% carried debts of $25,000 or more. They faced steep challenges—financial instability, housing insecurity, and limited access to consistent health care.

The UBI funds, unrestricted and direct, helped meet urgent needs. On average, participants used 56% of their monthly stipend on housing, 22% on food, and additional amounts on debt repayment and utilities.

Unlike some public benefit programs, UBI came with no strings attached—no paperwork maze, no conditional requirements. That autonomy empowered recipients to make decisions that were right for them, and the outcomes speak volumes.

“The UBI money, it meant the world to me,” said one participant, reflecting on how the monthly stipend helped prevent homelessness.

Impact Beyond Dollars: Health, Hope, and Forward Momentum

By the program’s conclusion in May 2025, participants showed meaningful gains across several well-being indicators:

• Psychological well-being scores rose from 57.1 to 67.5
• Social functioning increased from 58.0 to 73.4
• General health scores improved from 63.6 to 78.1
• Life satisfaction shifted from “neutral” to “slightly satisfied”

Employment outcomes also trended upward. While only two participants were employed at the program’s midpoint, that number doubled by the end. One participant returned to school. Importantly, these achievements weren’t driven by restrictions or compliance—but by the breathing space that comes with financial stability.

“It has taken me out of survival mode,” said one participant.
“It gave me more freedom and created less stress,” said another.
“It afforded me the opportunity to change my life’s circumstances.”

What We Learned

In addition to testing the impact of guaranteed income, the program offered DAP Health another important lesson: how to evaluate partnerships more rigorously.

While the pilot ultimately succeeded, its first phase—under Queer Works—suffered from delays and oversight failures that led to a public investigation and the nonprofit’s eventual criminal indictment. When DAP Health stepped in to preserve the program, it also initiated a deep review of its own partnership criteria and risk assessment protocols.

As NBC Palm Springs reported, “For DAP Health, the effort was more than financial support. It was a commitment to accountability and partnership, ensuring that vulnerable residents receive the resources they need to build stable, healthy lives.”

And according to The Desert Sun, “After Queer Works failed to meet its obligations, DAP Health took over sole management of the program in July 2024—ensuring participants continued to receive support through the end.”

“We learned that a mission match alone does not make for a successful relationship,” a DAP Health spokesperson shared. “Going forward, we will be assessing other critical criteria to ensure accountability, integrity, and transparency.”

DAP Health has since implemented a new internal process for vetting both local and national partners. This includes structured due diligence, third-party auditing requirements, and clearer timelines for reporting and deliverables—ensuring that any collaborative project aligns not just with DAP Health’s mission, but with its operational standards and values.

A National Model in a Local Context

Palm Springs joins a growing number of U.S. cities—such as Stockton, CA; St. Paul, MN; and Durham, NC—exploring the promise of guaranteed income. While critics of UBI cite concerns about cost or disincentives to work, most pilots have consistently shown otherwise. A 2022 meta-analysis of 21 UBI studies found that unconditional income correlated with better physical and mental health, higher food security, and greater educational attainment, without significant reductions in employment.

What sets Palm Springs apart is how DAP Health stepped in midstream to protect program integrity and participant stability during a period of public concern and institutional scrutiny. In doing so, the nonprofit underscored its commitment not only to healthcare but to the broader determinants of health—like financial security, housing, and peace of mind.

Looking Ahead

The final report concludes that “UBI income, when provided to a financially strained sub-population with acute basic needs, has meaningful impacts on participants’ financial security and overall well-being.” It also affirms the value of empowering trusted community-based organizations like DAP Health to lead complex social programs with empathy, transparency, and results.

As policymakers and funders consider next steps, DAP Health’s work offers a clear takeaway: when people are given the means to meet their basic needs, they don’t give up—they rise.