Applications opened Oct. 6 for an expanded Bridge Project program that will provide at least 180 low-income pregnant mothers in Milwaukee with $20,250 each over three years. The unrestricted payments will begin with a one-time prenatal stipend of $1,125. Participants will then receive $750 a month for 15 months, followed by $375 a month for 21 months. Families can use the money for expenses such as housing, food, child care and diapers. The expansion follows an initial Milwaukee cohort of 122 mothers. It is supported by a $3.1 million commitment from the Zilber Family Foundation, along with contributions from the Yabuki Family Foundation, Phoenix Investors, the Crivello Family Foundation and City of Milwaukee American Rescue Plan Act funds. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18, no more than 23 weeks pregnant, live in Milwaukee and have annual household income below $39,000. Applications are available at bridgeproject.org/apply. The program is open citywide, though some funding is designated to prioritize applicants in certain neighborhoods and ZIP codes. Eligible applicants will be selected randomly. The Bridge Project reported that, after one year, its first Milwaukee cohort experienced a 67% decrease in housing instability; 33% of participants saw reduced food insecurity, and 23% began job training or education programs. Those figures were provided by the program. Bridge Project Executive Director Suzanna Fritzberg said the expansion builds on the first cohort and is intended to support families during pregnancy and children’s earliest years. The organization says it operates in 14 states and has committed more than $144 million in direct cash support to over 4,450 mothers and babies since 2021.