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ALICE cannot always pay the bills, has little or nothing in savings, and is forced to make tough choices such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent. One unexpected car repair or medical bill can push these financially strapped families over the edge. The future success of our community is directly tied to the financial stability of these fragile ALICE households.

For 46% of Jasper County residents and 34% of Beaufort County residents, this is reality

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Interested in Attending a Poverty Simulation?

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live on the edge of poverty? To struggle to put food on the table, pay rent and access basic necessities? Our Poverty Simulation offers a unique opportunity to understand these challenges firsthand. Click HERE to learn more.

A Roadmap to Self-Sufficiency

Creating a self-sufficient community is no small task—and it’s not one United Way of the Lowcountry can achieve alone. Fortunately, the Lowcountry is home to more than 1,700 nonprofits, many dedicated to human services and self-sufficiency issues. But while these organizations share common goals, few are working together.

United Way is spearheading a Community-Wide Strategic Plan, bringing together nonprofits and key partners to form a united front. In partnership with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and Beaufort County Human Services, we’re committed to designing a plan of ACTION to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency through collaboration, advocacy, and impactful solutions.

This community-wide strategic action plan will be completed by the end of next year, providing a powerful roadmap for United Way and other local agencies to make a sustainable, positive impact on our community. 

Want to get involved? Reach out to wjones@uwlowcountry.org to learn how you or your organization can be a part of this collective effort. Together, we can create lasting change!

Who is ALICE and Why Are They Important?

ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) may be a relative or friend. You may be ALICE. As cashiers, waiters, child care providers, and other members of our essential workforce, ALICE earns just above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to make ends meet. These struggling households are forced to make impossible choices each day. While such hardship is pervasive, households of color are disproportionately ALICE.

ALICE also represents the data reshaping the dialogue on financial hardship, and a grassroots movement that is picking up steam across half of U.S. states – and counting.

Essential, Working, Struggling

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.

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 car
  • Are part of every community nationwide

ALICE may be your relative, friend, colleague, or neighbor, or you might be ALICE. ALICE may also be your health care provider, teacher, retail clerk, sanitation worker, and others. ALICE workers are the backbone of our economy, with the pandemic making it crystal clear just how much we need them.