Often referred to as the “working poor,” ALICE families are households that earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to make ends meet. These individuals live paycheck to paycheck, unable to build savings or withstand unexpected expenses.
[Learn more about ALICE here.]
As part of United Way of St. Joseph County’s mission to move individuals from poverty to possibility, it is essential to recognize and support all families facing financial hardship. This includes not only those living below the poverty line but also ALICE families — who, despite being employed, do not qualify for many assistance programs and are often just one crisis away from slipping into poverty.
Who is ALICE
ALICE is a dataset created and evaluated by the United Way to provide an accurate representation of what true costs of basic living in a geographic area are. United Way focuses on individuals who fall below the “ALICE threshold” and are unable to adequately get their basic needs met despite being employed. These are the individuals who are trying to survive by working, but are falling short.
2024
When Hard Work Isn’t Enough
In St. Joseph County, 44% of households live below the ALICE threshold and can’t afford the basics of life — despite many working one, two, or even three jobs. These families fall into what we call ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. [Learn more about ALICE here.]
They are the backbone of our community — childcare providers, grocery clerks, home health aides, and essential workers. Yet too often, their wages don’t keep up with the rising cost of housing, food, child care, and healthcare.
The Reality in St. Joseph County
- 29% of households are ALICE — earning above poverty but still unable to make ends meet
- An additional 15% live in poverty, with even fewer resources to rely on
- All together, that means nearly half of our community is struggling to survive
The numbers are even more stark for these groups living below the ALICE threshold:
- 77% of single mothers with children
- 62% of young adults under 25
- 56% of seniors
The True Cost of Living
A family of four in St. Joseph County now needs $74,112 per year (or a $37/hour combined wage) just to cover the basics — more than what most local jobs pay.
This growing gap between wages and the cost of living forces families to make impossible choices every day: Pay the rent or buy groceries? Cover child care or afford healthcare?
Why It Matters For All of Us
When nearly half of our neighbors are financially insecure, the impact ripples across the entire community– from schools and healthcare systems to local businesses and long-term economic growth.
But here’s the truth: When ALICE families thrive, our whole community thrives.
How We’re Taking Action:
United Way of St. Joseph County is addressing these challenges head-on by:
- Expanding access to affordable child care and early learning
- Supporting housing stability and food security
- Focusing on job preparedness for high school graduates and adults
- Advocating for policy that improves quality of life for St. Joseph County residents
