MEET ALICE
ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals and families who work hard but still struggle to make ends meet. ALICE is just one crisis away from homelessness, hunger, or unemployment.
WHO IS ALICE?
ALICE represents 29% of households in Burke County — hardworking individuals who earn too much to qualify for most government assistance programs but not enough to afford basic living expenses.
ALICE is someone you know: Your neighbor working two jobs to make rent, your child's favorite teacher living paycheck to paycheck, the nurse who can't afford their own healthcare, the recent college graduate unable to live independently, and young families overwhelmed by childcare costs. Overall, 46% of Burke County households fall below the ALICE threshold, as 17% of Burke County households are in poverty.
Living paycheck to paycheck, ALICE households face impossible choices between paying rent, receiving medical care, or putting food on the table. With no ability to save, they remain just one emergency away from homelessness, hunger, or unemployment. These are the faces of ALICE in our community — essential workers who keep our economy running while balancing on the edge of financial crisis.
Learn more about how we get these numbers.
how we serve alice
Through our Strong Families programs, we provide direct support to ALICE households in our community. Our services create a vital safety net for families working hard but still struggling to make ends meet. When unexpected expenses arise, Burke County United Way is there to help maintain stability. We partner with local organizations to offer resources that build financial resilience and create lasting change. Through these collaborative efforts, we transform pathways from merely surviving to truly thriving. Your support makes this possible.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
How can you make an impact on ALICE?
Make a donation. Donations to Burke County United Way stay in Burke County and go directly toward ALICE.
Learn more about our Strong Families programs that directly serve ALICE: Financial Empowerment, Childcare Assistance & Youth Success
Read the Burke County ALICE Report to stay informed.
Learn more about the STATE OF ALICE IN NORTH CAROLINA.
CALLIE’S Alice Story
Callie never expected to find herself struggling to make ends meet. As a hardworking single mother, she was doing everything she could to provide for her daughter, Riley.
Despite her best efforts, financial stability always seemed just out of reach. It wasn't until she spoke with one of Riley's teachers that she learned about the resources available through Burke County United Way—and everything began to change. In July 2024, Callie started working with Keith Conley, a certified Financial Coach through our Financial Empowerment Program.
Callie has made remarkable progress in multiple areas of her life. She secured Medicaid for her daughter Riley, saving $255 monthly on healthcare, while developing strong budgeting skills to track her spending. By setting up automatic monthly deposits of $200, she built a $1,000 emergency fund for unexpected expenses. With the $6,000 in Childcare Assistance she received through eliminated impossible choices between basic necessities like rent and groceries. Her credit score improved from 560 to 630, opening the door to potential homeownership. Throughout this journey, Callie advanced her career with a promotion while simultaneously pursuing a social work degree at Appalachian State University.
