UpLift - Research to Inform Economic Mobility Solutions is an approach that investigates poverty-alleviating strategies utilizing local data collection and analysis. Using community-based participatory research methods, UpLift facilitates cross-sector partnerships to implement local studies and community conversations. The results of this approach seek to inform decision-makers regarding the design of impactful and cost-effective policies and programs to foster innovation in the provision of public health and human services.
Check out UpLift’s Key Takeaways & Final Findings!
UpLift Key Takeaways
The Project Coordination Team learned many things through the implementation of the pilot and by being the contact point for participants. Here’s a summary document of the main takeaways from participant recruitment, onboarding, and the personal stories of those who shared their lived experiences with the pilot.
UPenn's Research Findings
The pilot’s research team at The Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania created three briefs that focus on a different aspect of the study’s results which includes:
- Work Ethic, Affordability, and Nested Financial Logic in Central Iowa
- Responsive Caregiving and Basic Income
- Health, Hope and Basic Income
Click below to access the study’s results, you can find the three reports under the ‘White Paper & Reports’ section
Community-Based Participatory Research
UpLift uses a community-based participatory research approach to its initiatives. It is a priority of UpLift to collaborate with other community-based organizations when designing and implementing projects for stronger and more robust data collection on community issues.
Fostering Community Dialogue
UpLift values having continuous dialogues and discussions about current issues happening in the community. When building a prosperous community, it’s important that every person’s voice is heard, whether they are a subject matter expert or an interested community member.
Solutions-Focused Initiatives
UpLift believes that economic mobility is necessary for individuals to thrive independently and communities to prosper. Through its research initiatives and community events, UpLift is dedicated to exploring potential solutions that address the root causes of poverty and the social drivers of health.
UpLift is cross-sector collaborative initiative convened by the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation. To learn more about specific projects in the UpLift portfolio, click on the associated tabs below.
Our Portfolio
The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot
The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot was the first cross-sector collaborative basic income initiative to take place in the state of Iowa. This community learning opportunity studied the impacts of an unrestricted cash assistance on low-income Iowans living in Dallas, Polk and Warren counties.
Central Iowa Emergency Rental Assistance Study (CIERAS)
The Central Iowa Emergency Rental Assistance Study seeks to learn about providing assistance to a low-income household experiencing a crisis in order for that household to regain their economic stability. As a homelessness prevention initiative, the study aims to utilize scientifically-valid research to improve central Iowa’s public and nonprofit systems in order to keep people stably housed.
Community Conversation Series
UpLift’s Community Conversation Series provides education and awareness of economic mobility related topics like housing instability, food security, education, the workforce and employment, and access to public benefit programs.
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