To help reverse those dire trends, Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services launched the Nest in August 2023, the first guaranteed income program in the United States that specifically serves Native communities.

Under the program, 150 pregnant people who identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander were selected to receive $1,250 a month, no strings attached.

Participating parents — some of whom already have children or live with older relatives — started receiving the money during pregnancy or just after giving birth. They will continue getting payments until their child’s third birthday, meaning a family may receive as much as $45,000 by the time they exit the program.