"The biggest difference in my life since receiving $180 from GiveDirectly is the profound improvement in my overall well-being. At 82 years old, I was struggling with illness and lacked basic comforts. The money allowed me to get necessary medical care, buy a new bed and mattress for the first time, and secure enough food for the next two months. Most importantly, it enabled me to move in with my elder son, where I can receive the close care I need. This support from GiveDirectly has significantly transformed my quality of life, bringing me comfort, health, and peace of mind."

"The biggest difference in my life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I no longer sleep on the floor. After the floods damaged my bed and mattress, I had no choice but to sleep on the floor. It was cold and uncomfortable, and I would wake up feeling tired and sick from the chill. Now, with the new bed and mattress, I was able to buy, I sleep comfortably and look forward to bedtime. It has become an enjoyable and restful experience, and it has made a significant improvement in my overall well-being."

"When I received $180 from GiveDirectly, I had several pressing issues, and the most urgent one was my son's education. He had been accepted to join university, but I didn’t have the money to send him. I used $100 to cover his travel and other expenses, allowing him to finally join. He is now in school, and I am preparing to support him consistently because he values his education and doesn’t want to be left behind while others study. I also used $30 to buy food for my family. After the floods that destroyed my farm, it became essential to ensure we had enough to eat. The support from GiveDirectly allowed me to provide for them during this difficult time. Additionally, I was sleeping on an old bed with a torn mattress, which made resting uncomfortable. With the remaining money, I bought a new mattress, and now I can sleep with dignity and comfort. Thanks to GiveDirectly, my family and I are living with more security and peace."

"Receiving my first transfer came at a time when things were really tough for me. Aside from crop farming, my income sources included charcoal production, but the floods had made this nearly impossible. The surrounding area was still flooded, which made it hard to continue with the charcoal business. I have two children in high school, and their school fees were a priority. I had already managed to pay $50 each, but I still had arrears of $80 each. With my transfer from GiveDirectly, I was able to pay $50 for each child, reducing the balance to just $30. Ensuring my children could stay in school without being sent home was crucial. Additionally, my maize crops weren’t ready for harvest yet, so I bought a bag of maize for $35 to sustain us while we waited for the harvest. Further, my children’s mattress was worn out, so I decided to buy a new one along with shoes for them, which cost me $33. To honor GiveDirectly's support and as a future investment, I also bought a sheep for $30. I see it as something that can grow in number and help us in the future."

"I now feel a sense of relief and comfort. Before, life was extremely difficult. I used to sleep on sacks, which left me feeling exhausted every day. But now, I sleep on a proper mattress, and it has made a huge difference in how I feel physically and emotionally. I thank God for that blessing. My family is happier, and we have a bit more stability. The floods had destroyed my house and washed away some of my chickens, even taking my previous mattress. It was a tough time, but with the cash support, I’ve been able to rebuild small parts of our life, settle bills, and make our home more comfortable again. The support has brought us hope and a chance to recover from the damage."

"Life was difficult for me and my children. For years, we slept on the floor with no mattress, exposed to the cold every night. The floor was hard and uncomfortable, and we used mats as makeshift mattresses. My children, being young, were especially vulnerable. Without proper bedding, they often caught colds and the flu, which made them feel miserable and added to my worries. Every night, I would lie awake, uncomfortable and exhausted, constantly concerned about their health. Since getting the mattresses and bed, the difference has been remarkable. My children no longer sleep on the cold, hard floor, and they have been healthier. I no longer have to worry about them getting sick as often. We finally have a sense of comfort and safety, and it has made a huge impact on our daily lives. Thank you, GiveDirectly."

"It was a Sunday evening, and I was sitting outside my house enjoying my evening tea when a message popped up on my phone. Since I couldn’t check it myself, I asked my helper to look at it for me. She told me that I had received $180. My mood instantly changed, and I was filled with happiness. The first thing that came to my mind was to buy a bed and a mattress because I didn’t have one before, and I longed for more comfort in my sleep. The thought of finally sleeping comfortably made me even more excited."

"I attended a fundraiser in my village, and while there, I heard people whispering that they had received money from GiveDirectly. I didn’t have my phone with me because I had left it at home to charge. After the event, I was eager to check if I had also received the money. Two friends accompanied me as I rushed back home, filled with excitement. When I finally checked my phone, I was delighted to see that I had received $180 from GiveDirectly. I was overjoyed, and my first thought was to buy a bed and mattress, as I had been sleeping on a makeshift bedding that was very uncomfortable."

"Before I received the money from GiveDirectly, I was sleeping on a mat for as long as I can remember. Every morning, I would wake up exhausted, my ribs aching from the hard surface. It was tough to start the day like that, with pain already weighing me down. I had gotten used to the discomfort, but deep down, I knew I needed a change. When I finally got the cash, the first thing I did was buy a mattress and a new bed. Now, I wake up feeling well-rested, my body relaxed and ready for the day ahead. No more aching ribs or dragging myself out of bed—I feel energized and motivated, and it's all because I can finally get a good night's sleep."

"When I received the unconditional cash transfer, the first thing I did was use $100 to pay my daughter's school fees. She is in Form 2 at Talai High School, and ensuring her education is my top priority. It felt good to know that I had covered this important expense, as it gave her a chance to continue with her studies without any interruptions. Next, I spent $10 to take my son to the hospital. I had taken him to the local dispensary three times, but he wasn't improving, so I decided it was time for further tests at a better facility in Marigat town. I’m so thankful that he’s doing much better now, and I feel relieved knowing his health is good. With the rest of the money, I addressed some household needs. I bought a new mattress for $35 since the floods destroyed our old one, and we had been sleeping on mats. I also purchased three plastic seats for $23, so we have proper places to sit now. The remaining amount went toward buying food items for the household. This cash transfer has truly helped me meet several pressing needs for my family."