ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They represent an astounding 39% of Beaver County households that live at or below the ALICE threshold. Although they are working, perhaps several jobs, ALICE is not able to afford the basics like food, clothing, housing and childcare.
The individual Beaver County neighborhood ALICE percentages range from 17% to 73%, with too many hovering right around the 50% mark.
Many in this group earn too much to qualify for assistance programs, so their need is often overlooked. ALICE is your neighbor, your co-worker, your childcare provider, your relative…it may even be you.
We must see them, and help them.
For millions of working families, every day is a test. But on this test, the choices are all impossible, and one wrong answer can have devastating results: pay the rent or pick up that prescription, buy auto insurance or keep the lights on, fill the fridge or the car’s gas tank.
The United for ALICE movement began in New Jersey in 2012, and has since grown to include partners in more than half of U.S. states, including Pennsylvania. Here in Beaver County we are focusing intensely on this population.
Although the 17 Member Agencies currently funded by the United Way of Beaver County provide services to ALICE households, there are many additional non-profit organizations in the county that serve ALICE and those in poverty, but who do not receive United Way funding. We have created The ALICE Fund and mini grants, which support charities in Beaver County who serve this vulnerable population. To date, we have given $70,000 in mini grants to 12 local non-profits!
How You Can Help
We feel incredibly fortunate to have secured three matching grant offers to support our efforts in aiding ALICE. Currently, we have successfully matched two of the grants. Notably, Shell Polymers, Monaca, which initially provided a $50,000 matching grant, has generously increased its support by an additional $25,000. This additional funding is earmarked to match donations specifically allocated to The ALICE Fund. All matched donations will supplement The ALICE Fund, enabling us to finance essential mini-grants.
How It Works
All donations to the United Way of Beaver County that are designated to The ALICE Fund will be eligible for matching until we reach the full $25,000 matching grant. Your generosity makes a significant impact, ensuring that each donation is maximized to help those in need.
These mini-grants have the ability to help so many Beaver County families in 2024 and beyond – families that we may never be able to help otherwise. If you are able to increase the amount that you give to the Annual Campaign, even by a small margin, and give the extra to The ALICE Fund, that will mean so much to the United Way of Beaver County, but it will mean so much more to that 39% who are truly struggling! Your donation will contribute to the well-being and stability of families in Beaver County, creating a positive ripple effect for years to come.
Make a donation to the ALICE Fund
