Kelvin

Kelvin is a father of three beautiful daughters, ages 15 ,13, and 2. He lives in Encanto, a San Diego community that has faced systemic disinvestment. Kelvin has faced much hardship in his life, including homelessness, but through it all remains committed to raising his daughters to reach their fullest potential. He says guaranteed income has helped him provide for his family’s basic needs while creating space for him to focus on the future.

“Guaranteed income has made a difference in my household because it’s helped me catch up with bills…it’s been a whole big relief…and really helped my family so much. Coming out of Covid, our rent went up, and it would have been really tough to keep my household running without this support. Food in the cupboards is a need, toiletries and cleaning supplies are a need, diapers are a need. Guaranteed income helps me take care of those needs first.”

“[Guaranteed income] made a different in my household, so that I could catch up on bills. Now bills are [the amount] they are supposed to be, without being in the negative.”

“I tell my kids: ‘You’re not going to get everything you want, but I’m going to try and give you everything you need.”