2024 ALICE Report by United Way

Each year the United Way compiles a report on a specific subset of Americans who are in need of assistance. These Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) households represent those who are just above the federal poverty level, but still struggle to make ends meet. ALICE reports are able to be both broad in scope and narrow in scope. It is a nationwide report that allows local United Way organizations to look into their areas as well. These reports have been helpful to the United Way by providing a clearer picture of the needs in a given area.

During a visit with James J. Malouf on Mid-Day Magazine Ben Eberlien discussed the report, and what it means for the people he serves. Mr. Eberlien is the Community Engagement Director with the United Way of South Wood and Adams Counties.

The interview began with an explanation of what exactly the ALICE Report is, and what it means. Within the discussion Ben emphasized a need to look past preconceived notions of what poverty looks like. He and James explained that in central Wisconsin it is much more common than most would presume. The newest edition of the ALICE Report has an update that allows for searching of specific individual needs, such as children in these households. Within the range of Ben’s service the report indicates that one-third of families are counted by the standards of ALICE. Families that are working a lot, and can’t qualify for government assistance, but really need some help. These are families that are just one disaster, broken water heater, or major illness, away from poverty.

The discussion then turned to other demographics that are represented in this report. Ben stated that 50% of senior households in his service area have been counted in this report as well. He then stated that 40% of families with children are within this report as well. The need is clearly great, and Ben emphasized the importance of organizations like the United Way. The United Way of South Wood and Adams Counties, and other organizations like it, have been doing the hard work to try to fill these gaps for families in need.

To listen to the interview in full you may do so at our website, or by clicking this link here.

It is currently campaign season for the United Way, and if you’d like to contribute to the great work that they are doing in South Wood and Adams Counties you may do so by visiting their website, or clicking this link here.

To learn more about how this report is made, and what goes into it you can head to the United way website, or click here.

The 2024 ALICE Report has been made available here.