below the poverty line. in mississippi, it's one in three. >> most folks, particularly black women, are pigeonholed into these low-income poverty-level jobs that do not create a pathway out. >> reporter: that's why she created spi ed springboard to opportunities, opportunities to help single plaque mothers. she's testing a new idea gaining national attention. >> oh, that's two in one. >> reporter: giving out cash, privately funded, no strings attached, to see how the women choose to spend it without government requirements, a concept called universal basic income. ynondoro chose 20 mothers at woman. >> why am i calling you? >> i was picked? >> you were picked! >> reporter: to receive $1,000 every month -- >> your name was chosen. >> -- for one year. >> what does this money mean to you? >> a little freedom. >> reporter: tia cunningham works at a senior living facility where she makes $10.31 an hour. >> what does your paycheck