ALICE Reports Take Action

ALICE Lives Here

The ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population represents more than 500,000 low- and moderate-income households in our region who are earning above the Federal Poverty Line ($31,200 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 ALICE DC

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?

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. The ALICE population work, but are unable to meet their 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 health, education and economic opportunity.

The United Way ALICE initiative is intended to support residents living paycheck-to-paycheck by providing equitable access to resources such as financial empowerment courses, 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.

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. 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 DC

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?

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. The ALICE population work, but are unable to meet their 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 health, education and economic opportunity.

The United Way ALICE initiative is intended to support residents living paycheck-to-paycheck by providing equitable access to resources such as financial empowerment courses, 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.

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. 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?
faq arrow

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. They may be made under the cost of living and need assistance with economic, health, and education opportunities. 

Who is ALICE?
faq arrow

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?
faq arrow

More than 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?
faq arrow

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.

×