meet alice
Meet Alice
When Working Isn't Enough to Make It Work
Many households in Northwest Connecticut struggle to cover basic living expenses. Financial stability is just out of reach even though they work full-time. These households are ALICE– Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
Who is ALICE in Northwest Connecticut?
ALICE represents the individuals and families in our community who work hard yet struggle to afford life’s basic necessities. They earn more than the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but less than what it actually costs to live in Northwest Connecticut.
ALICE households often make too much to qualify for government assistance but still can’t make ends meet. They are one unexpected expense away from falling into poverty — living in the gap between financial stability and the limits of the social safety net.
These are the people who keep our community running. They are our childcare providers, teaching assistants, grocery clerks, and healthcare workers. They serve others every day, but rising costs and stagnant wages make it increasingly difficult for them to support their own families.
Without ALICE, Northwest Connecticut would come to a standstill. Supporting ALICE means strengthening the foundation of our entire community.
ALICE Household Survival Budget
The ALICE Household Survival Budget estimates the bare minimum cost of living for households in Northwest Connecticut. It reflects what it truly takes to afford the basics — housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, technology, taxes, and a small 10% contingency for unexpected expenses.
This budget does not include savings, auto repairs, cable service, travel, laundry costs, or simple comforts like holiday gifts or dining out. It’s a clear look at what it costs just to get by — without any extras.
The ALICE Survival Budget demonstrates how far the Federal Poverty Level falls short of the actual cost of living in our region. It provides a more realistic benchmark for what families need to meet their most essential needs.
For example, in Northwest Connecticut, housing alone consumes a significant portion of a family’s income — and when you add child care and transportation, those two expenses can account for more than one-third of the household budget.
At United Way of Northwest Connecticut, our goal is to help ALICE households move beyond survival and achieve financial stability — where families can save, plan, and thrive.
ALICE in Northwest Connecticut at-a-glance
In Northwest Connecticut, 1 in 4 households are ALICE. That’s 13,000 hard-working households in Northwest Connecticut. These are our neighbors and friends. These households need our help to move from the edge of financial catastrophe to financial stability.
Breaking Barriers for ALICE
ALICE is not just a wage issue — it’s an accessibility issue. Households across Northwest Connecticut face complex, interconnected barriers that make achieving financial stability incredibly difficult.
For example, a higher-paying job may be available in a nearby town, but without reliable transportation or public transit options, it’s out of reach. A parent working the overnight shift might struggle to find affordable childcare during those hours. Or someone working multiple part-time jobs in restaurants may not have access to health insurance, even though they need medication to manage a chronic condition.
These are not isolated challenges — they are part of a system of obstacles that keep ALICE families from moving forward.
At United Way of Northwest Connecticut, we believe solutions must be interconnected, collaborative, and comprehensive — just like the challenges ALICE households face every day.
For more information please visit unitedforalice.org