The public-private partnership Rx Kids was announced last August. The pilot program is set to start in February.
Rx Kids will provide no-strings-attached funds to pregnant people and new mothers in the City of Kalamazoo.
Now, it will get a $1.5 million boost from the city government, enough to support 200 families for a year.
The new funds come from the American Rescue Plan Act, which must be allocated before the start of 2025.
Expectant mothers who qualify will receive a $1,500 payment, along with $500 a month for the child’s first year.
The program is set to run for five years, and Rx Kids has said the first year is fully funded.
In a press release, the city said Rx Kids is fundraising to keep the program going beyond 2025.
Michael Symonds reports for WMUK through the Report for America national service program.