ALICE
ALICE
is more than an acronym—it represents thousands of hardworking individuals and families in our community who are doing everything right, yet still struggling to make ends meet.
What Does ALICE Mean?
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals who are working, often in essential jobs, but whose income is not enough to cover the basic cost of living, including housing, child care, food, transportation, healthcare, and technology.
ALICE households earn above the federal poverty level, but still fall short of what it truly costs to live and work in today’s economy.
Who Is ALICE?
ALICE could be your neighbor, coworker, friend—or even you.
They are the backbone of our community:
- Child care providers
- Retail and grocery workers
- Health care aides
- Hospitality and service industry employees
These individuals keep our community running, yet many live paycheck to paycheck and are one unexpected expense away from financial crisis.
ALICE in the CSRA
In our region, 48% of households are living below the ALICE threshold, meaning nearly half of our neighbors struggle to afford basic necessities.
ALICE families are often forced to make impossible choices every day, such as:
- Paying rent or affording quality child care
- Buying groceries or covering utility bills
- Paying for transportation or accessing needed medical care
These trade-offs don’t just impact individual families; they affect the strength and stability of our entire community.
Why ALICE Matters
ALICE represents a growing population that is often overlooked—those who don’t qualify for traditional assistance, yet still struggle to get by. Without support, many are at risk of falling into deeper financial hardship due to a single emergency or unexpected expense.
By understanding ALICE, we can better identify gaps in services, advocate for meaningful change, and create solutions that promote long-term financial stability.
Our Commitment
United Way of the CSRA is committed to supporting ALICE households through programs, partnerships, and initiatives that address both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
Our goal is to serve 30,000 ALICE families by 2030, ensuring more individuals and families have access to the resources they need to build stable, thriving lives.
Be Part of the Solution
When we support ALICE, we strengthen our entire community. Together, we can create a future where every working family has the opportunity not just to get by—but to truly thrive.