We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($372 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Living in a cramped, dilapidated house for years took its toll on my spirit. With each passing day, the struggle felt heavier, especially as a parent trying to provide for my family. However, with the recent unconditional cash transfer, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. I knew exactly where every dollar needed to go. First and foremost, I invested in the future by purchasing iron sheets to complete the construction of our new home. The $350 investment was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a symbol of a fresh start. No longer would my children and I be confined to a single room, suffocating in its limitations. Now, with three bedrooms, there's space to breathe, to host visitors without shame, and to watch my children grow in comfort and security. As the main provider, my spouse's monthly income of $40 barely covered our basic needs, let alone the expenses of building a new home. The burden of school fees added another layer of stress, but with $30 from the cash transfer, I could finally ensure my two children's education was secure. No longer were they at risk of being sent home due to unpaid fees; their academic journey is now uninterrupted. With the remaining funds, I filled our home with enough food to sustain us for weeks, a luxury we had once only dreamed of. The nights of hunger and discomfort were replaced with gratitude as we sat together, nourished and content, in the warmth of our new home.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has done exceptionally well. The staff are genuinely good people, treating recipients with respect and dignity throughout the process. Their kindness and understanding made me feel valued and supported. The unconditional money they provided has truly transformed my life, granting me the means to address pressing needs and pursue opportunities that were previously out of reach. I am immensely grateful for the positive impact GiveDirectly has had on my life and the lives of countless others.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My utmost aspiration is to embark on a journey towards establishing a sustainable business rooted in agriculture. As soon as the rainy season commences and I acquire the necessary capital, I envision diving headfirst into this venture. This business endeavor holds the promise of not only providing me with a steady source of income but also enabling me to support my spouse in fulfilling our family's basic needs. With a fervent dedication to cultivating the land and harnessing the power of nature, I am determined to lay the foundation for a prosperous future where our family can thrive. Through hard work, perseverance, and a deep-rooted belief in the potential of agricultural pursuits, I am committed to realizing this vision and creating a livelihood that sustains us all.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($359 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My family's safety meant everything to me, especially when our old house was on the verge of collapsing during heavy rains. With the cash from GiveDirectly, I decided to invest in our security. I spent $48 on building poles and $252 on 24 pieces of iron sheets to strengthen our home. Another $30 went into purchasing essential rafters, ensuring the structural integrity of our house. Hiring a skilled contractor required $60, but it was worth it for the renovations.
With the remaining funds, I allocated $70 to buy food for my family. As my husband and I worked as casual laborers, it was often challenging to make ends meet for our three children. This assistance lightened the burden and put food on our table during tough times. Additionally, I used $25 to purchase a goat, an investment for our future sustenance.
Now, we live in a safer and more secure home, protected from the dangers of a crumbling structure during storms. The relief and peace of mind that come with knowing my family is safe are priceless, and I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for making this transformation possible.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since we received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, our lives changed in ways I couldn't have imagined. The first thing I noticed was the safety of our new home, and that brought such peace to my mind. No more worrying about the dangers creeping around us. But the biggest transformation was how it wiped away our hunger. We could eat every day without fear. Seeing my family's faces light up with joy during meals made my heart swell. We laughed more, worried less, and lived happily. The weight of hunger lifted, replaced by the warmth of contentment. Now, we could focus on living our lives without the constant ache in our stomachs, and that was everything.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At about 3 in the afternoon, I was busy washing clothes for my family when I heard a message tone coming from inside the house. My little one rushed over, handing me the phone. I checked the message and my heart skipped a beat; it was the notification confirming I'd received the first transfer from GiveDirectly. A wave of gratitude washed over me as I realized that my dream of fixing our rundown house was finally within reach. The joy was overwhelming, knowing that this unexpected help would turn our hopes into reality. It was a moment filled with hope and a renewed sense of possibility for a brighter future for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 11 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Housing is the current challenge I am currently facing in life. I have a family of five and we live in a one room house with grass roof which leaks during rain season. Whenever it rains then I spend the whole night sleepless and I am now affected psychological because of the anticipated elnino rains.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Food shortage has also been a challenge for me however last week I got money and prepared chapati for the family. I had last prepared chapati since first January 2023 during the new year celebrations. That made me feel happy.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My family lives in a one room house with grass roof and it leaks during rain season. The husband works as a casual labor at Vipingo earning approximately $50 per month which caters for food only. I am just a house wife doing domestic chores. The family income is low such that we cannot build a spacious house for the family. I will use $600 to build a two room house for the family . This will uplift my status in the village. I will also use $400 to buy ten goats as an investment. Currently I do not have one but the investment I plan to make will generate school fees for my children once they join high school in the future.