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.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
One morning, my son came to me with exciting news. He told me that the GiveDirectly money had arrived, and I was overjoyed. I had no idea the money had come because he was the one with the phone. I instantly felt a wave of relief and happiness. For a long time, I had been sleeping on a mattress on the ground, and each morning, I would wake up feeling tired and in pain because of my back. The thought of finally being able to buy a bed brought me so much hope. I knew this money would change my life and ease my daily struggles.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life after receiving the transfer is having a proper bed. Before, I was sleeping on the ground with just a mattress, which made me feel tired and gave me back pain every morning. Now, with the new bed, I sleep comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed. It has improved my health and my mood, making my days much easier. I am so happy because I no longer have to suffer from the discomfort of sleeping on the floor. This bed has truly changed my life for the better, and I’m very grateful.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the money I received, I decided to buy a bed, chairs, and a metal box to store my belongings. I had no proper furniture in my house, only traditional wooden chairs that were uncomfortable and worn out. Getting these new items felt like a fresh start for me, especially since I had been sleeping on the floor for a long time. The bed brought me so much comfort, and now I finally have a safe place to store my things. It’s a simple change, but it has made my life at home much more comfortable and organized.I used the remaining money to purchase food. I’ve been depending on my children to provide for me, but I know they are struggling with their own families, and I didn’t want to burden them any longer. By buying enough food, I can now manage for a while without asking for help. It felt good to be able to support myself again, even in a small way, and I know it has eased the pressure on my children as well.I live with one of my grandchildren, while my husband, who is very old, stays with his first wife because he is a polygamous man. All my other children are married and have their own families to take care of. Life has been hard, but this cash transfer gave me a chance to improve my living conditions and take some of the pressure off my family. It feels good to stand on my own two feet again, even if just for a little while.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
To eliminate the risks associated with living in an unsafe house during the rains, I plan to use the funds to build a safer home for my family. Additionally, I will purchase food to alleviate the usual struggle of providing for my family without a regular income.
The remaining funds will be invested in creating a sustainable income source through agricultural farming, which will both provide food and generate income, helping to prevent future financial difficulties.
What is the happiest part of your day?
After my house was swept away by the floods, taking all our household items, including utensils and bedding, I was deeply grateful to receive a donation from a Kenya RedCross. The assistance provided us with utensils, a tent, and food, bringing me immense joy and relief. This support has allowed us to find some comfort and ease after the hardships caused by the floods.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Due to the persistent rains and recent floods that have ravaged the village, my grass-thatched house has become unsafe, as it is heavily affected by both the floods and rainwater. I cannot afford to build a more secure home for my family. With no steady source of income, I also struggle to provide enough food for the family because of financial constraints.
