Oregon is giving homeless young people $1,000 a month to get back on their feet. Here's how it's going.

• Oregon is giving some of its homeless youth $1,000 a month.
• The state's DHS says recipients report spending money on housing and food.
• The program is among dozens nationwide trying to alleviate poverty with a guaranteed basic income.

Oregon has a severe homelessness problem.

It's home to the third-worst homeless rate in the country, according to a federal count published in December. And it has the highest rate anywhere of unaccompanied homeless youth.

As state leaders scramble to address the problem, one solution is showing some promise: Give those young people $1,000 cash every month, no strings attached.