ALICE Lives Here

The ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population represents nearly 500,000 low- and moderate-income households in our region who are earning above the Federal Poverty Line ($26,500 annually for a family of four) but still cannot afford basic necessities. This translates to an estimated 1.3 million adults and children living in the region who cannot meet the daily cost of living for the county/state in which they live.

United Way NCA’s ALICE Lives Here initiative aims to reduce disparities in the areas of health, education and economic opportunity and improve outcomes for individuals and families in the National Capital Area.

About

About
group of men at financial empowerment center

About

As we go about our day and look to the months ahead, we ask our friends and neighbors to imagine for a moment what life would be like if you were unsure of how you were going to pay your rent, mortgage or utility bills next month. This is an everyday reality for our ALICE neighbors.

The ALICE Lives Here initiative is one of United Way NCA’s strategic programs established to address the issues of inequity in our systems for employment, education, health and food access, financial stability, and opportunities for all to grow to the best of their abilities. We realize that these issues will not change unless we, as a community, do the work to make the National Capital Area a better place to live for all residents. And we truly believe that when none are ignored, all will thrive.

 

Mission

Mission

Mission

As the region’s convener, collaborator and catalyst, United Way of the National Capital Area’s goal is to create a more equitable society where everyone in our community has fair and equal access to health, education and economic opportunity.

ALICE Reports

Partner Organizations

ALICE Reports

United Way NCA uses ALICE reports and the data as the framework for our work in improving residents’ lives and strengthening their communities. It allows us to make stronger, more efficient decisions with our funds.

Get Involved

man holding megaphone

Get Involved

An investment today provides crucial support to neighbors through targeted programs and services that help members of the ALICE population gain equitable access to resources in health, education and economic opportunity.

 

Learn other ways to get involved with United Way NCA’s critical work.

Events

UW-Workshop Schedule
volunteer

Events

Nearly 500,000 households in the National Capital Area are a part of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, earning above the Federal Poverty Level, yet unable to afford the basic household necessities. On May 2, United Way NCA held a launch event for the 2023 ALICE Reports, which includes the inaugural Washington, DC report and data on surrounding counties in Virginia and Maryland. View the recording of the event here.

Sponsors

Sponsors
Deloitte logo meyer foundation logo

About

As we go about our day and look to the months ahead, we ask our friends and neighbors to imagine for a moment what life would be like if you were unsure of how you were going to pay your rent, mortgage or utility bills next month. This is an everyday reality for our ALICE neighbors.

The ALICE Lives Here initiative is one of United Way NCA’s strategic programs established to address the issues of inequity in our systems for employment, education, health and food access, financial stability, and opportunities for all to grow to the best of their abilities. We realize that these issues will not change unless we, as a community, do the work to make the National Capital Area a better place to live for all residents. And we truly believe that when none are ignored, all will thrive.

 

group of men at financial empowerment center

Mission

As the region’s convener, collaborator and catalyst, United Way of the National Capital Area’s goal is to create a more equitable society where everyone in our community has fair and equal access to health, education and economic opportunity.

ALICE Reports

United Way NCA uses ALICE reports and the data as the framework for our work in improving residents’ lives and strengthening their communities. It allows us to make stronger, more efficient decisions with our funds.

Get Involved

An investment today provides crucial support to neighbors through targeted programs and services that help members of the ALICE population gain equitable access to resources in health, education and economic opportunity.

 

Learn other ways to get involved with United Way NCA’s critical work.

Events

Nearly 500,000 households in the National Capital Area are a part of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, earning above the Federal Poverty Level, yet unable to afford the basic household necessities. On May 2, United Way NCA held a launch event for the 2023 ALICE Reports, which includes the inaugural Washington, DC report and data on surrounding counties in Virginia and Maryland. View the recording of the event here.

volunteer
Deloitte logo meyer foundation logo

ALICE Reports FAQS

What does ALICE stand for?
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ALICE is a United Way acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, representing a large portion of community members who are working but struggling to make ends meet.

Who is ALICE?
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ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households earn above the Federal Poverty Level, yet they are not eligible for assistance and can’t afford the basic household necessities, including housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care.

How many people in the National Capital Area are ALICE?
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Nearly 500,000 households in our region are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

  • 26% of total households in the DMV make difficult decisions about how to make ends meet each month.
  • Stretching income to cover more costs disproportionately affect people of color.
  • But for Black households, those numbers are far higher. Our analysis of the real cost of living in every U.S. County shows that 60% (nationally) and 55% in VA and 50% in MD of Black households cannot afford basic household essentials in their communities.
  • 1 in 4 People of color dedicate 50% of their income to paying rent each month. (National Equity Atlas)
How does United Way NCA provide resources to our ALICE neighbors?
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United Way NCA’s focus on health, education and economic opportunity creates equitable access to critical resources for all community members. Learn more about our programmatic work here.

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