In this special two-part series, we explore one of the most talked-about ideas in the national conversation on poverty and homelessness: basic income. This episode features Gwen Battis, Project Manager at the Denver Basic Income Project (DBIP) about what happens when we trust people, and give them the financial foundation they need to rebuild their lives.

Gwen talks about DBIP's upcoming documentary, what they hope viewers take away, and why telling this story right now matters more than ever. We also hear from Mark Donovan, DBIP’s founder, about the origins of the pilot and the remarkable outcomes they've seen.

Throughout the conversation, we unpack:

• Why direct, unconditional cash works and what the data shows
• How stereotypes about homelessness and basic income break down when we listen to real stories
• The connection between dignity, agency, stability, and opportunity
• What it truly costs to keep someone in crisis vs. supporting financial stability
• Why cash cannot replace the safety net, but can strengthen it
• How basic income might help us reimagine systems that are failing individuals and families today

Links & Resources:

• Denver Basic Income Project — https://www.denverbasicincomeproject.org
• Follow DBIP on Instagram/TikTok: @denverbasicincomeproject
• Denver VOICE — https://denvervoice.org
• Elevated Denver — https://elevateddenver.co
• Donate to Support our work — https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Elevatedenver

Thank you for listening. If this conversation moved you, share the episode and join us for Part 2, where we explore shifting mindsets, what DBIP’s documentary reveals, and what it takes to build systems rooted in dignity and equity.