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Who is Alice?

ALICE represents the 29% of Northern New Yorkers who work but struggle to survive.  ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than the basic cost of living (the ALICE Threshold).  They work as cashiers, nursing assistants, office clerks, servers, laborers, childcare workers, teacher assistants, and security guards.  ALICE workers hold jobs that are vital to keeping the economy running smoothly, but they do not earn adequate wages to cover the basics of housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and technology.  Most ALICE households are unable to participate in social assistance due to strict eligibility criteria or they avoid seeking out assistance due to the perceived stigma. 

According 2021 data drawn from the 2023 United Way of New York State report entitled ALICE in the Crosscurrents: A Financial Hardship Study

  • Jefferson County – 10% of households live in poverty and another 28% are ALICE.

  • Lewis County – 11% of households live in poverty and another 27% are ALICE.

  • Lawrence County – 13% of households live in poverty and another 31% are ALICE.

United Way is committed to lifting up ALICE through community programs and advocacy.