ALICE definitely lives here
The United Way of St. Lucie County recently received the new ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, and the results are heartbreaking. St. Lucie County is at an all-time high with 58,714 households—or 51%—living paycheck to paycheck. That’s over 15,387 more families struggling than last year. Okeechobee has over 57% of households living paycheck to paycheck.
These numbers aren't just statistics—they represent our friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors. ALICE could be any one of us. We must come together as a community to address this urgent issue ALICE is a United Way acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
ALICE is your child care worker, your parent on social security, the cashier at your supermarket, the gas attendant, the salesperson at your big box store, your waitress, a home health aide, an office clerk. ALICE cannot always pay the bills, has little or nothing in savings, and is forced to make tough choices such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent. One unexpected car repair or medical bill can push these financially strapped families over the edge.
Meet ALICE
ALICE is a hardworking member of the community who is employed yet does not earn enough to afford the basic necessities of life.
ALICE earns above the federal poverty level, but does not earn enough to afford a bare-bones household budget of housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care. The United Way ALICE Reports use new measures to provide a more accurate picture of financial insecurity at the state, county, and municipal level.
ALICE Toolkits
ALICE Toolkit - Individuals & Families
ALICE Toolkit - Local Government
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com