Meet ALICE

For a growing number of U.S. households, financial stability is nothing more than a pipe dream, no matter how hard their members work. These households are ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet struggling to afford basic expenses. Households below the Threshold are forced to make impossible choices — like deciding whether to pay for utilities or a car repair, whether to buy food or fill a prescription.

Who is ALICE?

Households below the ALICE Threshold are in every state and county across the U.S. and represent all demographic groups. Workers below the ALICE Threshold often perform the jobs that keep our economy functioning smoothly — they are child care providers, food service workers, cashiers, personal care aides, delivery drivers, and more.

ALICE households:

• Span all races, ages, ethnicities, and abilities, though households of color are disproportionately ALICE
• Include workers whose wages cannot keep up with the rising cost of goods and services
• Often include those who are working two or more jobs and still cannot pay their bills
• Include family members who need care and assistance, which makes it harder for their caregivers to find adequate work
• Live paycheck to paycheck and are forced to make impossible choices: pay the rent or buy food, receive medical care or pay for child care, pay utility bills or put gas in the carAre part of every community nationwide

ALICE may be your relative, friend, colleague, or neighbor, or even YOU.