employed but in need

ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) represents those who are working but struggle to afford the basic necessities of life. Those experiencing ALICE may be hidden in plain sight – your child care worker, the cashier at your supermarket, a home health aide, an office clerk. They are often forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent, which have long-term consequences, not only for their families, but for us all.

14% of households across Greater Houston are living below the federal poverty threshold, and another 31% of households are experiencing ALICE – they are working hard but can’t afford the basic necessities of life.

United Way’s ALICE Report provides better measures and language to describe the population that is struggling financially, and the reasons why. These measurements provide a broader picture of financial insecurity than traditional federal poverty guidelines.

The ALICE Report underscores the importance of United Way of Greater Houston’s work to help families and individuals meet their immediate needs and establish and travel a path to a more successful future. Data from the ALICE Report coupled with the calls for help and hope from our 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE are key in United Way understanding how many people in our community struggle to get by and what strategies to help are most effective.

 
ALICE Overview One-Pager