ALICE Reports Take Action

ALICE Lives Here

The ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population represents more than 700,000 low- and moderate-income households in our region who are earning above the Federal Poverty Line ($30,000 annually for a family of four in 2023) but still cannot afford basic necessities. This translates to over 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 building a healthy community, advancing youth opportunity and building financial security to improve outcomes for neighbors across the National Capital Area.

About

About
group of men at financial empowerment center

About ALICE

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.

 

What does ALICE population stand for?

The ALICE program is a United Way initiative that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, representing a large portion of community members who are working but struggling to make ends meet. The ALICE population works but is unable to meet basic needs such as food, child care, housing, health care, and transportation.

 

Mission

Mission

Our 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 a healthy community, youth opportunity, and financial security.

The United Way ALICE program supports residents living paycheck-to-paycheck by expanding equitable access to resources like financial empowerment services, free tax assistance, and emergency housing options.

ALICE Reports

Partner Organizations

ALICE Population 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.

The 2025 National Capital Area ALICE Report reflects only our original FY26 footprint and does not include Charles County, MD, Calvert County, MD and St. Mary’s County, MD.

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 a healthy community, youth opportunity, and financial security. Support the United Way ALICE initiative by making a donation below:

 

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

Sponsors

Sponsors
volunteer Deloitte logo meyer foundation logo

About ALICE

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.

 

What does ALICE population stand for?

The ALICE program is a United Way initiative that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, representing a large portion of community members who are working but struggling to make ends meet. The ALICE population works but is unable to meet basic needs such as food, child care, housing, health care, and transportation.

 

group of men at financial empowerment center

Our 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 a healthy community, youth opportunity, and financial security.

The United Way ALICE program supports residents living paycheck-to-paycheck by expanding equitable access to resources like financial empowerment services, free tax assistance, and emergency housing options.

ALICE Population 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.

The 2025 National Capital Area ALICE Report reflects only our original FY26 footprint and does not include Charles County, MD, Calvert County, MD and St. Mary’s County, MD.

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 a healthy community, youth opportunity, and financial security. Support the United Way ALICE initiative by making a donation below:

 

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

Deloitte logo meyer foundation logo

ALICE Reports FAQS

What is the difference between poverty and ALICE?
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Those living in poverty are defined by the federal poverty threshold, whose guidelines change according to the year and economy. ALICE is a community that makes more than the federal poverty threshold but is unable to afford necessities. 

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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More than 700,000 households in our region are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

  • 25% of total households in the National Capital Area make difficult decisions about how to make ends meet each month, in addition to 8% experiencing poverty.
  • People of color are disproportionately affected. 45% of Black and Hispanic households cannot afford basic household essentials in their communities. 
  • Single parents and retirees are also more likely to struggle to make ends meet. 
    • 66% of single-female-headed households and 52% of single-male-headed households are below the ALICE Threshold
    • 41% of adults over the age of 65 are below the ALICE Threshold
How does United Way NCA provide resources to our ALICE neighbors?
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United Way NCA’s focus on a healthy community, youth opportunity and financial security to create equitable access to critical resources for all community members. Learn more about our programmatic work here.

How can I support the ALICE program or community?
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You can support the ALICE community by making a donation to United Way NCA. Your contribution helps fund programs and services that assist individuals who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed across the Washington DC region. Donate to support the ALICE community.