ALICE

ALICE is a United Way acronym which stands for
Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

What is ALICE?
ALICE represents the growing number of families who are working, but due to childcare costs, transportation challenges, high cost of living and so much more, are living paycheck to paycheck. Reduced work hours, a family emergency, or unexpected expense can be catastrophic. 

Who is ALICE?
We all know ALICE. ALICE may be a relative or friend. These are our neighbors; our daycare teachers, grocery store associates, hotel clerks, home health aides, and other members of our essential workforce. They live above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to make ends meet. These households are absolutely critical to our community's success, but they are forced to make impossible choices each day.

The Facts About ALICE In Okaloosa and Walton Counties

• The ALICE Household Survival Budget is the bare-minimum cost of household basics (housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and a smartphone plan, plus taxes). It does not include savings for emergencies or future goals like college or retirement.
• The Survival Budget for Okaloosa and Walton counties shows a single adult would need to earn at least $16.85 an hour to afford their most basic needs; a family of four would need an annual income of at least $84,744; and a senior citizen would need an annual income of at least $39,204. These costs are well above the Federal Poverty Level of $15,650 for a single adult and $32,150 for a family of four.
• ALICE families are forced to make impossible choices: pay the rent or buy food, receive medical care or pay for childcare, pay utility bills or put gas in the car.
• ALICE often includes those who are working two or more jobs and still cannot pay their bills. Less than 2% of ALICE households are unemployed.