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How Do Holistic Wrap-Around Anti-Poverty Programs Affect Employment and Individualized Outcomes?

Author

Listed:
  • Javier Espinosa
  • William N. Evans
  • David C. Phillips
  • Tim Spilde

Abstract

A new wave of social service programs aims to build a pathway out of poverty by helping clients define their own goals and then supporting them flexibly and intensively over multiple years to meet those goals. We conduct a randomized controlled trial of one such program. Participants randomly assigned to intensive, holistic, wrap-around services have 10 percentage points higher employment rates after one year compared with a control group offered only help with an immediate need. Most of this effect appears to persist after programming ends. However, we find limited evidence that intensive, holistic services affect areas beyond employment, even when other areas of life are participants’ primary goals. We find some evidence that the program works by increasing hopefulness and agency among participants, which may be more useful in supporting labor force participation than in meeting other goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Espinosa & William N. Evans & David C. Phillips & Tim Spilde, 2024. "How Do Holistic Wrap-Around Anti-Poverty Programs Affect Employment and Individualized Outcomes?," NBER Working Papers 32911, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:32911
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    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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