WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — United Way has unveiled a comprehensive initiative to address the growing challenges faced by working families who earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance programs but too little to achieve financial security.

Understanding ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed

The initiative centers around supporting individuals and families classified as ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This demographic represents a significant portion of the workforce who maintain steady employment, often juggling multiple jobs, yet continue to struggle with affording basic necessities.

These are our neighbors, our community members who work hard every day but still face difficult choices between paying rent, buying groceries, or covering healthcare costs, according to the United Way initiative. ALICE families typically earn above the federal poverty line but fall short of the income needed to cover essential expenses in today’s economic climate.

The Financial Squeeze: When Work Isn’t Enough

ALICE families face mounting pressure from rising costs in key areas of daily life. Housing expenses, childcare fees, healthcare premiums, and transportation costs continue to outpace wage growth, creating a challenging financial landscape for working families.

The initiative recognizes that traditional employment alone is often insufficient to achieve financial stability in the current economy. Many ALICE individuals work multiple jobs or extended hours, yet still find themselves unable to build savings or prepare for unexpected expenses.

United Way’s Strategic Response

The United Way ALICE Initiative focuses on comprehensive support that addresses multiple barriers simultaneously. Rather than providing temporary relief, the program emphasizes creating sustainable pathways to financial independence.

The initiative invests in programs designed to remove systemic barriers that prevent ALICE families from achieving stability. These efforts include workforce development, affordable housing solutions, accessible childcare options, and healthcare support services.

Building Long-Term Financial Independence

Central to the United Way approach is the focus on creating lasting change rather than short-term assistance. The program works to establish support systems that help ALICE families build financial resilience and work toward economic mobility.

By addressing the root causes of financial instability, the initiative aims to help working families transition from survival mode to building sustainable financial futures for themselves and their children.

Community Impact and Representation

The ALICE population represents a diverse cross-section of the community, spanning various demographics, professions, and family structures. The initiative acknowledges this diversity through its inclusive approach to program development and service delivery.

United Way emphasizes that ALICE families are integral members of the community workforce, often employed in essential roles that keep local economies functioning, from healthcare support staff to retail workers to service industry employees.

Getting Involved and Learning More

Community members interested in learning more about the ALICE Initiative or exploring ways to support local working families can find additional information through United Way of North Carolina’s website.

The organization encourages community engagement and support for programs that strengthen financial stability for working families throughout the region.

For more information about the ALICE United Way Initiative, visit United Way of Wayne County.