Bringing Hardship Into Focus

For millions of working families, every day is a test. But on this test the choices are all impossible, and one wrong answer can have devastating results: pay the rent or pick up that prescription, buy auto insurance or keep the lights on, fill the fridge or the car’s gas tank.

Each of these videos offers a unique perspective into this often-hidden world of financial struggle – as well as the actions that many are taking to help make financial stability a reality for these ALICE households.

About ALICE

2023 National Report Launch

In the spring of 2023, United For ALICE launched its COVID-19 impact Report, "ALICE in the Crosscurrents: COVID and Financial Hardship in the United States." The Report focused on the economic impact of the pandemic on households in poverty and households that are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) – earning above the Federal Poverty Level but less than the cost of basics. To commemorate the launch, United For ALICE hosted a virtual launch event on May 2, 2023. Led by National Director Stephanie Hoopes, the event featured a panel discussion on the importance of the ALICE data as well as a roundtable on warning signs on the horizon for struggling households. For more information, visit UnitedForALICE.org.

Restoring America’s Promise

Nearly 1 in 3 households in America works, but can’t make ends meet.  Meet ALICE®: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. During a May 17, 2018 forum at The National Press Club, presenters including United Ways and business leaders shared the importance of recognizing and lifting up ALICE workers across the country.

Dispelling Myths 1

ALICE Myth #1: Financial hardship is confined to "poor" neighborhoods John Franklin, formers CEO, United Way of Northern New Jersey shares how life isn't good for everyone even in seemingly affluent communities. Franklin shared these remarks on May 17, 2018 at a forum held at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Dispelling Myths 2

ALICE Myth #2: The economy is strong While unemployment is at historic lows, it doesn't tell the full story. There are 51 million households that cannot afford the basics. Watch ALICE Project Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., break down the data. Hoopes shared these remarks on May 17, 2018 at a forum held at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Dispelling Myths 3

ALICE Myth #3: ALICE doesn't work hard enough Karen Perham–Lippman was on her way to earning a doctoral degree in research science when she became ALICE. She made the choice to leave an untenable situation, but she didn't choose to be in poverty. Perham–Lippman shared these remarks on May 17, 2018 at a forum held at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Dispelling Myths 4

ALICE Myth #4: ALICE's struggles are not ours to fix ALICE matters deeply to businesses from mom and pop shops to Fortune 500 companies like the Entergy Corporation, says Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy's vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility. The Louisiana–based utility is committed to keeping the power flowing for customers who struggle financially. Riddlebarger shared these remarks on May 17, 2018 at a forum held at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Dispelling Myths 5

ALICE Myth #5: We cannot change life for ALICE United Way of Southeast Louisiana's J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center proves that with tailored assistance, we can help empower ALICEs to turn their lives around. A one–stop resource, the center connects ALICE individuals and families to financial education and coaching, credit repair and counseling, benefits screening, and income tax filing assistance. United Way's Odessa Adams–Payne shares how the center helped Terry boost his credit score from 400 to 700 within less than one year. Adams–Payne shared these remarks on May 17, 2018 at a forum held at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Meet ALICE: In Their Own Words

ALICE Children

ALICE Children share what it is like to live in a household that is struggling financially, in their own words.

Meet Charlene (full length)

Charlene is a northern New Jersey mother who works full time and is raising her two young sons. While Charlene works to improve the quality of area child care centers she struggles to provide for her family. Charlene is ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Charlene chose to share her story with United Way of Northern New Jersey in hopes that it will increase awareness and, ultimately, improve conditions. She says: "If we don’t discuss this, and we don’t talk about it, and we don’t raise the awareness, it’s never going to change."

Meet Sebastian

As part of the "Families on the Brink" series, Richard French Live speaks with Sebastian Galvez about his experiences with financial hardship.

Meet Rose

As part of the new series "When the Ends Don't Meet: Families on the Brink", Richard French Live's Andrew Whitman speaks with Rose Quinn, a woman living on the brink of poverty.

Meet Lauren

Lauren from Fredericksburg, VA shares the difficult choices she and other ALICE households face when they don’t earn enough to make ends meet.

Meet Taylor

Taylor from Front Royal, VA shares her and her family’s experience as an "ALICE" – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – household.

Meet Alice

Alice from Fredericksburg, VA is "ALICE" – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Listen as she shares her story of struggle and success.

Coach Stringer – A Voice for ALICE

Rutgers University Women’s Basketball Coach and Hall of Fame member C. Vivian Stringer shares how "angels" helped her family through tough times when she was growing up. Coach Stringer, who is also United Way of Northern New Jersey Women United’s honorary chair, encourages individuals to act as angels today by supporting United Way in its work to help ALICE families achieve financial stability.

Meet Michele

United Way offers ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and those in poverty access to free services that help put them on a path to financial stability. Meet Michele and hear how our free tax preparation program helps ALICE get back the return they deserve by ensuring they receive critical tax credits.

Act for ALICE

Join the Fight

United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. No matter the obstacles. No matter the odds. We surround our community’s most critical problems and we fight. Change doesn’t happen alone. We have one life – to live better, we must Live United.

How Can Business Lift Up ALICE?

Patty Riddlebarger, vice president of Social Responsibility for Entergy, talks about why ALICE matters to all businesses from mom and pop companies to Fortune 500 corporations. She shares four concrete suggestions for how businesses can help to improve life for their ALICE employees and customers and the communities where they live and work. Riddlebarger shared these remarks on May 17, 2018 at a forum held at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Education – We Empower ALICE to Succeed

United Way works to provide ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed ) with access to quality and affordable early childhood education. See how United Way’s efforts to reduce teacher turnover gives educators the opportunity to grow professionally and children access to a quality learning environment. You can help...Let’s LIVE UNITED!

Give ALICE a Fighting Chance

Why is it that one in three New Jersey households can't get by? United Way of Northern New Jersey's data–driven ALICE Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) examines financial hardship in New Jersey. We are driving community changes so that ALICE can thrive. View our video to hear why giving to United Way is important to build a vibrant community and give ALICE a fighting chance. See what happens when people LIVE UNITED.

Cory Booker

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker knows the impact of good data and how it can spur positive change. "Love in action," is what he calls our work to bring equity for ALICE. Join this #ActForALICE movement and tag us @UnitedWayNNJ to share how you are taking action to improve life for ALICE in our communities.

Mark Romanski

Mark, a member of the United Way Commercial Real Estate Network, acts for ALICE because he recognizes how hard these individuals work, and the contributions they make to our communities. Join this #ActForALICE movement and tag us @UnitedWayNNJ to share how you are taking action to improve life for ALICE in our communities.

Diane Wentworth

Diane, a member of the ALICE Research Advisory Committee, acts for ALICE by helping to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the ALICE reports. Join this #ActForALICE movement and tag us @UnitedWayNNJ to share how you are taking action to improve life for ALICE in our communities.

ALICE in Focus: Children

Intro to ALICE in Focus – Children

While 16% of all children nationwide were in poverty just before the pandemic hit, another 33% – more than twice as many – lived in ALICE households that struggled under the radar. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families earn above the Federal Poverty Level, but not nearly enough to afford basics. United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., puts this data at our fingertips through the new ALICE in Focus Research Series. The first in the series spotlights children, using research briefs and interactive online dashboards. Get started: UnitedForALICE.org.

Wilkins – ALICE in Focus: Children

Wilkins sheds light on the activities in which his family can't afford for him to participate because they are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Contrained, Employed). ALICE children like Wilkins are at the center of United For ALICE's first research brief, ALICE in Focus: Children.

Alayna – ALICE in Focus: Children

Alayna talks about wanting a birthday party of her own, but because ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families are faced with impossible choices in an attempt to make ends meet – worsened by the fact that households of color are disproportionately ALICE – fun activities like birthday parties are often put on the backburner. ALICE children like Alayna are at the center of United For ALICE's first research brief, ALICE in Focus: Children.

Katy Spurlock: ALICE Data into Action for Children

Why is the data revealed in ALICE in Focus: Children so important, and how can it be used to create meaningful change? Katy Spurlock of the Urban Child Institute in Memphis, TN, weighs in on United For ALICE's first research brief.

Donte – ALICE in Focus: Children

Children from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families often go hungry throughout the day. While they are food insecure, for various reasons many of these families can't access assistance programs like SNAP. Donte talks about the struggles of going through a school day hungry. ALICE children like Donte are at the center of United For ALICE's first research brief, ALICE in Focus: Children

Steven Dick: ALICE Data into Action for Children

The data dashboards for ALICE in Focus: Children can be used to create change in different ways. Steven Dick of Modern Metrics Barn in Youngsville, LA, shares his thoughts on this new tool, which is the centerpiece of United For ALICE's first research brief.

Melissa Clements: ALICE Data into Action for Children

Why is the data revealed in ALICE in Focus: Children so important, and how can it be used to create meaningful change? Melissa Clements of Children's Forum in Tallahassee, FL, weighs in on United For ALICE's first research brief.

Grace – ALICE in Focus: Children

Children from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families often lack access to quality early childhood programs. Grace demonstrates why this is so troublesome for children in these households. ALICE children like Grace are at the center of United For ALICE's first research brief, ALICE in Focus: Children.

Peter Kilde: ALICE Data into Action for Children

What draws researchers and policy–makers to the data on ALICE households and children? Peter Kilde of West CAP in Glenwood City, WI, shares why this data is so important to him and his work, in light of United For ALICE's first research brief, ALICE in Focus: Children.

Helen – ALICE in Focus: Children

Helen highlights the importance of housing stability for households that are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE children like Helen are at the center of United For ALICE's first research brief, ALICE in Focus: Children.

ALICE in Focus: People with Disabilities

Introduction to ALICE in Focus: People With Disabilities

Of the 41 million people with disabilities across the United States, more than half – 51% – are unable to afford the basics in their communities. Come along with us as we debut our newest research brief, ALICE in Focus: People With Disabilities. Led by United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., we’ll look at key findings about people with disabilities who live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to make ends meet. We’ll also hear from our National Leadership Committee members, advocates, and allies – including those with lived experience – as they share why this data is critical in helping to improve life for people with disabilities who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

Michael John Carley: ALICE Data in Action for People With Disabilities

"Much like how the Kessler Foundation did a study that changed the landscape for employment and disabilities, this information is going to have that same kind of a change." Michael John Carley of New York University's Connections Program for Global Students with Autism, and member of the ALICE in Focus National Leadership Committee, discusses the potential impact of United For ALICE's data on people with disabilities. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Disabilities

Leatrice - ALICE in Focus: People With Disabilities

Leatrice Fullerton is the Advocacy and Community Education Director for Disability Network Southwest Michigan. But that wasn't always the case. In light of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research on people with disabilities, Leatrice recounts how long it took her to obtain employment in her field despite having a master's degree. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Disabilities

Denise Nix Thompson: ALICE Data in Action for People With Disabilities

Denise Nix Thompson, Executive Director of Equally Alive and member of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus National Leadership Committee for People With Disabilities, discusses the value of this ALICE research and how it can help those with disabilities who are in financial hardship. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Disabilities

Florida Housing Coalition: ALICE Data in Action for People With Disabilities

"So often, people with disabilities are ignored, lost in the shuffle, and glanced over for easier-to-serve populations." See how the Florida Housing Coalition is using United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus data to help make the cost of living more affordable for people with disabilities. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Disabilities

Lindsay Kubatzky: ALICE Data in Action for People With Disabilities

Lindsay Kubatzky, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the National Center for Learning Disabilities and member of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus National Leadership Committee for People With Disabilities, finds this data crucial to gaining a true understanding of the hardships that people with disabilities face. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Disabilities

Sharon - ALICE in Focus: People With Disabilities

"I get along okay, but when expenses come up, like things that need to be fixed in the house, sometimes they're expensive. I've had to go to different organizations for help and that's been a wonderful thing to be able to do, and I appreciate that so much." As Sharon attests, actions that organizations have taken to help improve the lives of people with disabilities in financial hardship have made a big difference. Dig into the ALICE in Focus data on people with disabilities, from United For ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed): UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Disabilities

Tyler - ALICE in Focus: People With Disabilities

"I feel like I am made to choose either between living in a home that I would have limited access to, or be individually moved into a community-based living facility, away from my friends and family." In light of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research on people with disabilities, Tyler Urias of Disability Network Southwest Michigan gets candid about the barriers he faces, searching for accessible housing as a person with disabilities. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Disabilities

Zane - ALICE in Focus: People With Disabilities

There are many ways you can take action for people with disabilities, especially those in financial hardship. Zane Landin of Disability Network Southwest Michigan discussed a few of them during the launch of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research on people with disabilities. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Disabilities

Elizabeth Jennings: ALICE Data in Action for People With Disabilities

Elizabeth Jennings, Deputy Director of the National Disability Institute and member of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus National Leadership Committee for People With Disabilities, talks about how she and her colleagues plan to use this data to take their own research to new heights. She also discusses how anyone can use the data, even those who aren't members of the disability community and don't work in disability services. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Disabilities

Dawn and Erik - ALICE in Focus: People With Disabilities

Dawn is a working mother and a caregiver to her teen son Erik, who has Down syndrome. She’s also ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), forced to make difficult choices to try to keep her family afloat. These are the struggles of people with disabilities who are ALICE – and this is one example of how United Ways and others are using the data to help improve life for these families. Now it’s your turn. Explore the data for yourself through United For ALICE's second research brief, ALICE in Focus: People With Disabilities, and its online dashboards. United4ALICE.org/Disabilities Video provided by United Way of Northern New Jersey.

ALICE in Focus: Veterans

Introduction to ALICE in Focus: Veterans

They’ve served and sacrificed for our nation. Yet 27% of the 17 million veterans across the United States are unable to afford the basics in their communities. Come along with us as we debut our newest research brief, ALICE in Focus: Veterans. Led by United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., we’ll look at key findings about veterans who live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to make ends meet. We’ll also hear from our National Leadership Committee members and veterans with lived experience as they discuss the struggles that veterans face and how this data can help us all improve life for veterans in poverty and those who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

Adrian - ALICE in Focus: Veterans

"Being able to use the mental health services that are available to navigate this (transitioning) process makes all the world of difference because it can get heavy." In light of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research on veterans in hardship, recent veteran Adrian Gray talks about the importance of mental health supports for veterans, especially those transitioning to civilian life. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Anne Marie Dougherty: ALICE Data in Action for Veterans

Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, discusses the struggles of veterans in financial hardship since the pandemic - and how United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research can help improve life for those unable to afford basics. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Ann Elizabeth Montgomery: ALICE Data in Action for Veterans

In light of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research on veterans in hardship, Ann Elizabeth Montgomery, Associate Professor at the University of Alabama, talks about housing supports and how they are making a difference for veterans who struggle financially. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Congressman Larry Bucshon: ALICE Data in Action for Veterans

"With ALICE research showing that in Indiana alone, approximately 24% of Hoosier veterans are struggling to meet their families' basic needs, it is critical that we continue to work together to pass legislation to help vets." Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D., of Indiana recognizes the importance of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research in ensuring the financial stability of ALICE veterans. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Hank Bostic: ALICE Data in Action for Veterans

"When looking at veterans with disabilities living below the ALICE Threshold, I find that most have really complex issues...a change in one can cause a change in the other." Hank Bostic of Disability Network Southwest Michigan discusses why veterans with disabilities are more likely to be ALICE, in light of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research on veterans in hardship. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Laura Whitfield: ALICE Data in Action for Veterans

ALICE in Focus: Veterans, launched by United For ALICE on Veterans Day 2022, features a wealth of data that can be applied in different ways to help improve life for veterans in hardship. Laura Whitfield, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Director of Mission United at United Way Miami, plans to "really dive into the information and use it for program enhancement with Mission United." ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Ross Dickman: ALICE Data in Action for Veterans

"Every year, over 200,000 military members separate from service, and 80% of them won't have a job lined up." In light of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research on veterans in hardship, Ross Dickman, Chief Operating Officer at Hire Heroes USA, reveals that employment assistance is the #1 most requested support by transitioning military members. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Sandra Stone: ALICE Data in Action for Veterans

Sandra Stone, Professor in the Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus, talks about the importance of the ALICE data in our collective work to improve life for those in need. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE veterans were the focus of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research that launched on Veterans Day 2022. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Sherry Pickering: ALICE Data in Action for Veterans

In light of United For ALICE's ALICE in Focus research on veterans in hardship, Sherry Pickering, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition, comments on some of the gender gaps that still exist in veteran supports. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

ALICE in Focus: Veterans - Age and Disability

To help launch the ALICE in Focus: Veterans research, United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., takes a closer look at how financial hardship impacts veterans in different age groups as well as veterans with disabilities. Gain insights on the struggles these veterans face, which supports are working and which are still needed, and how the United For ALICE data can help us all improve life for veterans in poverty and those who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

ALICE in Focus: Veterans - Equity

To help launch the ALICE in Focus: Veterans research, United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., takes a closer look at financial hardship among veterans and how racial/ethnic and gender gaps play a role. Gain insights on the struggles these veterans face, which supports are working and which are still needed, and how the United For ALICE data can help us all improve life for veterans in poverty and those who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

ALICE in Focus: Veterans - Lessons Beyond Veterans

To help launch the ALICE in Focus: Veterans research, United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., takes a closer look at three drivers that may help explain why, overall, veterans fare better financially than nonveterans: employment, homeownership, and health insurance coverage and benefits. This data may play an important role in improving life for veterans in poverty and those who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

ALICE in Focus: Veterans - Supports For Veterans

To help launch the ALICE in Focus: Veterans research, United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., takes a closer look at supports that currently exist for veterans. Knowing which veterans are able to benefit from these supports, and which are being missed, is key in improving life for veterans in poverty and those who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Learn more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Media

CNN – From Six Figures to ALICE

Meet a Morris County family of five that once was middle class and today is struggling to get by on what they describe as 'teenage salaries'. Here at United Way we call this population of the working poor, ALICE.

RNN – Meet Sebastian

As part of the "Families on the Brink" series, Richard French Live speaks with Sebastian Galvez about his experiences with financial hardship.

RNN – Meet Rose

As part of the new series "When the Ends Don't Meet: Families on the Brink", Richard French Live's Andrew Whitman speaks with Rose Quinn, a woman living on the brink of poverty.

NJ Spotlight

John Franklin, former CEO of the United Way of Northern New Jersey, discusses how 850,000 families in New Jersey are struggling to make enough money to afford necessities, despite being employed.

My9

My9 Host Jim McQueeny sat down with United Way CEO John Franklin to talk about how to improve live for ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – in the Garden State.

ALICE In the News

United For ALICE is working to change how this country talks about those individuals and families who are working, but struggle to make ends meet. United Ways in more than a dozen states are banding together to shed light on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and bring about long–term sustainable change to improve life for ALICE and everyone.