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.
How You Can Help
Contributions to The ALICE Fund are welcome throughout the year. Whether you choose to designate your entire gift to The ALICE Fund or split your contribution between the annual campaign and The ALICE Fund, your generosity makes a meaningful impact.
We are deeply grateful for your support, no matter how you choose to invest in the mission of the United Way of Beaver County.
Ready to make a difference today? Simply click the red button at the bottom of this page to give. Together, we can continue transforming lives and strengthening our community.
The Impact of The ALICE Fund
Beaver County is home to countless non-profit organizations that work tirelessly to serve individuals and families in need. Traditionally, the UWBC has allocated to annual campaign contributions to our Member Agencies, which support ALICE and poverty-stricken households.
Recognizing the growing challenges revealed by ALICE statistics, we established The ALICE Fund to extend our reach. This fund allows us to provide targeted mini-grants to additional non-profit organizations addressing the needs of this vulnerable population.
In 2024, we proudly awarded $120,000 in mini-grants, supporting 14 vital programs led by Beaver County non-profits. These funds helped:
- Feed the hungry
- Provide after-school and youth mentoring programs
- Distribute books to Spanish-speaking children
- Supply bicycles for transportation for those without cars
- Offer job training
- Assist with utility bills
- ...and much more
While these efforts are making a difference, there is still work to be done. To reduce the percentage of households in Beaver County living below the ALICE Threshold, we must continue growing The ALICE Fund.
Your contribution to The ALICE Fund is essential to expanding these programs and helping our community thrive. Together, we can create lasting change and a brighter future for Beaver County.
