We often talk about ALICE and our programs are structured to support those who live below the ALICE threshold, which is different from (but includes) the federal poverty threshold. But what do we mean when talk about ALICE households?

If you've heard the term "the working poor", then you understand who an ALICE household is. They are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet struggling to afford basic expenses.  They work for what they have, they take pride and ownership in their families and their homes, and they are often the backbone of our society: teachers, caregivers, sanitation workers, drivers, etc.

ALICE households:

• Include all races, ages, ethnicities, and abilities
• Include workers whose wages cannot keep up with the rising cost of goods and services
• Include those who are working two or more jobs and still cannot pay their bills
• Include family members who need care and assistance, making it harder for their caregivers to find adequate work
• Live paycheck to paycheck and are forced to make impossible choices: pay the rent or buy food, receive medical care or pay for child care, pay utility bills or put gas in the car
• Are part of every community nationwide, including ours in northern Frederick County. Thurmont and Emmitsburg residents account for 92% of the people we serve; more than half struggle to feed, clothe, and house themselves and their families.

So when we talk about helping our neighbors in need, we don't only mean those who are living in poverty by the Federal Government's standards. We include those who fall in that gray area where they make too much to receive any sort of government benefits (such as SNAP or EITC) but not enough to accumulate assets (like homes and retirement savings). Again--that is more than half of our neighbors in Thurmont, Emmitsburg, and the immediate surrounding area.

(As an aside, the federal guidelines are woefully outdated and have not been revised since the 1960s. More on that in another blog post.)

If you are struggling with your living expenses, but didn't think you qualified for help because you are employed or ineligible for federal benefits, give us a call or fill out a request for assistance. We just might be able to help!