ALICE
When Working is Not Enough
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) represents the growing number of families who are unable to afford the basics of housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and technology.
ALICE households:
- Span all races, ages, ethnicities, and abilities, though households of color are disproportionately ALICE,
- Include workers whose wages cannot keep up with the rising cost of goods and services,
- Often include those who are working two or more jobs and still cannot pay their bills,
- Include family members who need care and assistance, which makes it harder for their caregivers to find adequate work,
- Live paycheck to paycheck and are forced to make impossible choices: pay their rent or buy food, receive medical care or pay for childcare, pay utility bills or put gas in the car,
- Are part of every community nationwide.
As cashiers, waiters, childcare providers, and other members of our essential workforce, ALICE earns just above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to make ends meet. ALICE workers are the backbone of our economy, with the pandemic making it crystal clear just how much we need them.
The ALICE Report, a joint project of the United Ways of Iowa, tells the real story of those in our community who are below the ALICE Threshold. Find out more atwww.unitedforalice.org.
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