From Struggling to Stability: Elevating the Prospects of ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained, Employed) Families

In this GLR Week 2025 session, United Ways introduced us to the families in their communities who live just above the poverty line, they are the cashiers, waiters, child care providers, and other members of our essential workforce.  United Way calls them ALICE.

Moderator Marjorie Sims of Ascend at the Aspen Institute grounded the conversation in an appreciation for two-generation approaches, a family-centered lens that maximizes long-term impact for families and their communities.

Ayeola Fortune of United Way Worldwide explained, “United Ways across our network use data regularly. This includes using quantitative aggregated data to understand the prevalence of issues and disaggregating that same data to understand specific gaps and disparities and who is most negatively impacted.” She emphasized the value of data to provide context and meaning to frame issues in a way that has the potential to inspire action. See how United Ways are using powerful messaging.

ALICE uses a rigorous methodology with over 300 Research Advisory Committees to ensure that their data, best practices, assumptions, and sources are held to the highest standards. According to the official poverty level, 13% of households are struggling, but when you look at the actual cost of living, another 29% of households are ALICE. Across the country 42% of families have a fragile hold on their finances. According to Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., with United Way of Northern New Jersey, the number of ALICE households is on the rise: “It’s important to recognize that through recovery, recession, COVID, post-COVID, with different presidential administrations, in different economic times and political times, we have not been able to change the trajectory of this trend line.”

Michelle Roers also with United Way of Northern New Jersey provided an overview of United in Care, a high-quality early care system that is operating in four networks across the state with 33 home-based providers and four child care centers. Scholarships have been offered to 93 families for a total of $2.6 million.

Ken Oldham of United Way of Frederick County, Maryland, described his county as a rural community with some urban aspects. By offering a continuum services — including, matched saving, coaching, downpayment assistance, and credit — 34 ALICE families are now homeowners and not one has defaulted in 10 years. To address the challenge of transportation, the Ride United Network is providing free or discounted transportation to households in Frederick County — to date 31,000 rides. “We have an incredible amount of monthly data for analysis, so we can determine if there are gaps and make immediate changes to the programs,” said Oldham.

Scott Mengebier with United Way of the National Capital Area portrayed the Washington, D.C., region as having concentrated areas of financial hardship. These “islands of disparity” are places where there are high poverty rates, limited educational attainment, and poor access to health care. Using a cohort model, this UW is helping Black fathers who have child support arrearages build bridges with their families and navigate systemic barriers. This work has been instrumental in changing the narrative about what it means to be engaged with family. On the systems level, Maryland’s Montgomery County Workforce Development Board has expanded eligibility requirements and designed targeted programs for ALICE households.

Using ALICE data, Pierce County, Washington, is investing in solutions, advancing advocacy, and offering coaching models to connect ALICE families with services and supports. GRIP 2.0, a guaranteed income project, provided 500 participants with a $500.00/month. As a result, parents reported less stress, improved family harmony, better housing, and the ability to pay for basic needs. Dona Ponepinto of United Way of Pierce County noted, “It’s the champions in our local communities that support the work that we do, having the ALICE data, and then inviting those with the lived experience to be part of the conversation. They have to be at the table, not just to listen but to be part of the solution.”

Throughout this discussion, panelists shared data, strategies, approaches, and practices to support ALICE families. These are our neighbors, friends, and family. Mengebier advised, “If we can all get to the shared understanding that ALICE is the population in need, then we can work together to help them.”

If you were able to attend the session, we would love to hear your feedback! We appreciate your help in filling out the following form as we seek to learn and understand the perspectives, ideas, critiques, and recommendations that better inform our key audiences.