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Since the last ALICE Report® was released, Pennsylvania households encountered a new wave of obstacles to further complicate financial stability. The 2023 Report, which was released on May 2nd, 2023, captures these heightened barriers created by the COVID-19 pandemic and provides the first look at the extent of its social and economic impact amongst ALICE
(Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households.
ALICE lives in every community- they are your neighbor, your barista, your friend. The ALICE Report shows that 39% of Pennsylvanians are struggling to meet basic needs. ALICE households are vital parts of the community and economy but are barely surviving themselves. From this report, the needs, and barriers that ALICE households face can be further understood, allowing United Way and community partners to recognize and address their needs.
ALICE serves as a platform to reveal and provide awareness of the struggles of a financially burdened population that often goes unrecognized. The ALICE Report is designed to better understand who ALICE is, where ALICE lives and works, and the struggles ALICE faces. Solutions are complex – there is not one answer.
Through data, the Report clarifies the realistic cost to live in each Pennsylvania county and calculates how many households have income below that level, providing insight into the economic challenges that working households face. Across Pennsylvania, the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is well below the Household Survival Budget. In 2021, the FPL was $26,500 for a family of four. In contrast, the average annual cost of living for a family of four in Pennsylvania was $65,796, considerably higher than the FPL.
Through this work, the real needs of individuals and families across the state have been revealed, allowing United Way and community partners to implement solutions for ALICE. This includes investments in early learning, housing initiatives, and workforce training programs. Through continued community investments, collaborations, and advocacy, United Way is committed to uplifting ALICE and providing opportunities to advance financial stability.
How will you advocate for ALICE in your community?
Read the 2023 Report here. For a more in-depth look at the data, visit Pennsylvania’s United For ALICE site.
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