ALICE Report Unveils Hidden Population
Burke County, NC – ALICE or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, represents the often overlooked, hardworking population in all our communities that live above the Federal Poverty Line, but still struggle to afford basic living costs. These are essential workers that keep our economy running efficiently.
A new report released by United Way of North Carolina in collaboration with United for ALICE and Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, illustrates the astonishing amount of North Carolina households left without resources to turn to for assistance because they make more income than the Federal Poverty Line to qualify for programs, yet don’t make enough to afford the daily cost of living.
In Burke County, 46% of households fall below the ALICE threshold. Within this group, 29% represent the often-overlooked ALICE population—hardworking North Carolinians who earn above poverty levels but struggle to meet basic needs. These essential workers include the nurses who care for our loved ones, teachers who educate our children, retail cashiers who serve us daily, and countless other community members that we know. Despite working full-time, they live paycheck to paycheck, frequently facing impossible choices between necessities like food, housing, healthcare, and childcare.
“We all know ALICE - ALICE is our neighbors, friends, and essential workers who keep our community running," said Maureen "Mo" Schwind, Executive Director of Burke County United Way. "What many don't realize is how razor-thin the margin is between stability and crisis for these families. A single medical bill or car repair can derail months of careful budgeting. By recognizing the unique challenges ALICE households face, we can create targeted solutions that strengthen not just individual families, but our entire economic foundation in Burke County."
The ALICE report doesn't just outline the data, it highlights the unseen population in need, in all our communities. It explains the gaps where our government has been unable to help. ALICE is just one crisis away from being homeless, hungry or unemployed.
One of those unseen ALICE families was Callie and her daughter, Riley. As a single mother working hard at her full-time job, Callie struggled to get ahead financially until she enrolled in the Financial Empowerment program through Burke County United Way (BCUW). Through their Strong Families programs, Burke County United Way provides direct support to ALICE households in the community. "Because of the programs at Burke County United Way, I have the tools to build a stable future for myself and [my daughter] Riley. Now, I have hope." Since adopting the lessons learned in the program, Callie can afford to enroll in school to get her degree and is saving up to purchase a house. Programs like these are valuable for ALICE to overcome their financial situations and no longer live paycheck to paycheck.
Overall, ALICE is a call-to-action to inform our policymakers, nonprofits and businesses and we must work together to create systems to support the hidden community of North Carolinians in need. Change is possible, but only if we recognize ALICE and begin making moves to advocate for and support this population.
To learn more about ALICE in Burke County, please visit bcuw.org/alice.
Partners for ALICE:
About United Way of North Carolina
United Way of North Carolina partners with 47 local United Ways to create solutions for pressing community challenges. For almost 50 years, UWNC has focused on strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security across the state through Member Services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy. Learn more at unitedwaync.org.
About United For ALICE
United For ALICE conducts research and drives action to improve life for ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households nationwide. By developing comprehensive measurements of financial hardship, the organization partners with communities to create solutions that promote stability at local, state and national levels. More information at UnitedForALICE.org.
About Carolinas Credit Union Foundation
For nearly 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has empowered credit unions in North and South Carolina through collaborative philanthropy. The Foundation awards micro community grants, funds large-scale projects including Prevent Child Abuse and children's hospitals, provides disaster relief, and supports professional development and scholarship programs. Learn more at carolinasfoundation.org.