Rosemarie Palafox
Rosemarie Palafox, a 43-year-old Native American from Denver, spent six months in 2022 residing in a tent at one of Denver's outdoor safe spaces. She found relief in the Denver Basic Income Project, to which she joined after being entered into a lottery.
Palafox was part of Group B and received $6,500 upfront with an additional $500/month for the remaining 11 months. She utilized the funds to furnish her apartment, procure essentials, and invest in her education. Palafox attended college in 2023 to become a construction project manager.
The financial support from the Denver Basic Income Project gave Palafox the means to advance herself. Prior to enrolling in college, she had never used a computer, a newfound skill that opened doors to better job prospects and access to additional resources.
“It helped a lot. I was able to pay my bills and go to school without worrying about work [...] I finally had room to breathe.”
