New Hope participants who worked at least 30 hours per week could receive low-cost health insurance (if not provided through their employer) and child care subsidies (if they had a child younger than 13).
Participants whose earnings were below the federal poverty level also received a monthly earnings supplement that brought their total income up to the federal poverty level. All participants met one-on-one or in in small groups with program representatives, who provided job coaching and counseling. Participants who were unable to find full-time employment were placed in full- or part-time subsidized community service jobs with local nonprofit organizations, with a requirement for consistent attendance and job performance. Participants were encouraged to take advantage of all available New Hope services, including earnings supplements, health insurance, child care assistance, and job placements.
Each community service job lasted up to 6 months, and participants could hold community service jobs for up to a total of 12 months. Participants received New Hope services for up to 3 years.
Individuals were eligible for New Hope if they were living within one of two selected zip codes, had earnings below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, were 18 or older, and were willing and able to work full time. New Hope was implemented in Milwaukee, WI.
New Hope provided low-income adults with cash earnings supplements, access to health insurance and child care coverage, and subsidized job placement in community-based organizations.