United for ALICE

Frequently Asked Questions

ALICE is an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE represents the households with income above the Federal Poverty Level but below the basic cost of living. The ALICE Report provides current research-based data that quantifies who in Wisconsin is living on the edge of financial insecurity. United Way will use the ALICE study which contains state, county and municipal level data to raise awareness in order to create lasting changes implemented to improve lives and strengthen local communities.
ALICE is striving for financial stability but faces complex barriers. Solutions will take a multi-faceted approach from private and public sectors, as well as the community as a whole. United Ways throughout Wisconsin recognize we need to go beyond singular or temporary fixes to create lasting change through a focus on the building blocks of a quality life: education, income, and health. In the end, helping ALICE will benefit us all. We all have an interest in improving conditions for ALICE – their everyday struggles reach beyond personal trials to impact the wider community. Get involved in the conversation by contacting your local United Way.

CORE REPORT STATISTICS

By comparing real incomes with real expenses, United For ALICE reveals this stark reality: 34% of Wisconsin households are living on the edge of financial insecurity.
In Wisconsin, 34% of households live below the ALICE threshold – about 11% live below the poverty level and another 23% are above poverty but below the basic cost of living.
ALICE households are working, but struggle to afford the basics of housing, food, health care, child care, and transportation.
There are 549,313 ALICE households in Wisconsin, more than double the official poverty rate (262,960).
Together, with those in poverty, there are nearly 812,273 households unable to make ends meet in Wisconsin.
10% of households (229,296) were on the cusp of the ALICE Threshold in 2018; of those, about half earned just above the ALICE Threshold and half earned just below it.
Despite working and receiving financial supports, ALICE still faces a 21% gap in the income needed to be able to survive and afford the basics in Wisconsin.