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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had to make some important decisions about how to spend the money I received. As a widow relying on charcoal burning for sustenance, I have faced many challenges, especially since trees have become scarce. My old house was collapsing, making it unsafe to live in, so I decided to build a new one. For the house to stand tall, I bought 16 pieces of iron sheets for $230, building poles for $47, roofing poles for $52, nails for $13, and water for $15. I also hired a contractor who charged $130 to construct the entire house. I am happy to say that the house is ready, and I now sleep in a comfortable and safe shelter.
After the house was built, I realized I needed a good place to sleep. Previously, I slept on a thin mat, which was uncomfortable. With the remaining money, I bought a mattress for $50. Now, I sleep well and wake up refreshed, ready to face the challenges of each day. This investment in my new home and a proper bed has greatly improved my quality of life, providing me with a sense of security and comfort that I hadn't felt in a long time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I started receiving payments from GiveDirectly, my life has transformed completely. I used to live in constant worry, fearing that my unsafe house, which was on the verge of collapsing, would leave me homeless. Poverty had shackled my ability to improve my living conditions. However, everything changed with the transfers. I was able to build a new, sturdy house, and now I live happily in a safe, secure home. The relentless anxiety has vanished, replaced by a profound sense of relief and contentment. No more worries plague my days; I finally feel at peace.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was weeding at my farm, which is right next to my house when I heard a message tone from my phone around 4 PM. Since I am illiterate, my daughter, Santa, checked the message. She excitedly informed me that the first transfer had been deposited into my account. I was overwhelmed with happiness and immediately began ululating with joy. My neighbors, who had also received their transfers around the same time, joined me in this jubilant celebration, filling the air with our shared excitement and gratitude.
The very first thought that came to my mind was building a new house. The house I currently lived in was weak and on the verge of collapsing due to the strong winds, we had been experiencing. The transfer meant I could finally afford to construct a safe and sturdy house for my family. This moment marked the beginning of a hopeful new chapter in our lives, filled with the promise of security and comfort.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Living at home alone is something that has affected me psychologically because I always get stressed especially during night hours. Considering my age, I feel so vulnerable and anything bad can happen to me. My house is also small and it's roof is half open, a situation that make me rained on during this rainy season. What a life to worry about! I have wished to have enough money to construct a decent house but this has never been possible. All these combined has complicated my life and It's what makes my life harder.
What is the happiest part of your day?
What gives my life meaning is the support I have been getting from my daughter. She always ensures I get food and any assistance that I deserve. In most cases, she sends my granddaughter to give me company. The talks and laughter with her makes me happy and free from stress.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
A decent house! This is basically my greatest desire that I intend to accomplish once I receive this money. For seven years since I came to this village, I have been living a miserable life and I consider myself the most poor due to the nature of my house. Imagine living in a one-roomed house that serve as a store, kitchen and bedroom at the same time! It's a life full of worries and it makes me vulnerable to many challenges. My plan is to change this status quo and I will therefore, spend $600 to construct a new house. In addition, I will spend another amount ($150) to buy new beddings to replace my rugged ones. This will change my social status to the better. Also, I will use $150 to invest in livestock and I plan to buy 3 goats. The remaining amount will help me to sort other basic needs like food and clothing. What a happy life to achieve this!
