MEET ALICE
ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, represents the growing number of families who are unable to afford the basic necessities of housing, food, child care, health care, technology, and transportation.Through a series of new, standardized measurements, United For ALICE is quantifying the size of the workforce in each state that is struggling financially, and the reasons why. These measurements provide a broader picture of financial insecurity than traditional federal poverty guidelines.
- Methodolgy for 2020 Reprts (data year 2018)
wHO IS ALICE?
Despite the critical nature of many jobs to keep our local economies running – educating our youngest children, keeping our ailing parent safe – these workers often struggle to keep their own households from financial ruin.
ALICE is your child care worker, 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.
The future success of our communities is directly tied to the financial stability of these fragile ALICE households.
wHY ALICE mATTERS?
ALICE workers are essential to the fabric of our society. ALICE works in jobs that are integral to our communities, from child care educators and home health aides to mechanics – all workers we rely on every day.
The future success of our communities is directly tied to the financial stability of ALICE households. When ALICE suffers and is forced to make difficult choices, we all face serious consequences.
For a growing number of Arkansas households, the struggle to survive has become a way of life. Every day, families make tough choices such as deciding between quality child care and paying the rent.
Click here to learn more about United For ALICE in Arkansas.
Click here to see the ALICE Fact Sheet for 2021
Click here to view the 2020 National Report
