Supporting ALICE Families in Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties
In our communities, many hardworking individuals and families are striving to make ends meet, yet they face a persistent struggle to afford basic necessities. These families fall into a category known as ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
While they earn more than the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), their income is insufficient to cover essential living expenses such as housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology.
ALICE families are the backbone of our local economies, yet they often find themselves on the brink of financial instability.
Who is ALICE?
We all know someone who fits the ALICE profile. These are our neighbors, friends, and coworkers – people who are integral to the functioning of our communities but are forced to make difficult choices every day. Decisions such as whether to pay for quality child care or to cover the rent can have lasting impacts on their families' well-being and our community as a whole.
The State of ALICE in New York
According to United For ALICE, a key contributor to the number of ALICE households in New York is the fundamental mismatch between the cost of living and what jobs pay. The cost of household essentials in New York is detailed in the Household Survival Budget, which varies by household size and composition.
Here are some key statistics for 2022:
15% of New York's 7,758,644 households earned below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
31% were ALICE households, earning above the FPL but not enough to afford basic necessities in their communities.
Combined, 46% of households in New York were below the ALICE Threshold (including both those in poverty and ALICE households).
While the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant disruptions, it also temporarily expanded public assistance through relief measures. However, as these measures reverted to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, the number of households below the ALICE Threshold increased from 3,216,435 in 2019 to 3,547,620 in 2022.
The Diversity and Challenges of ALICE Households
ALICE households are diverse, encompassing various races, ethnicities, family compositions, and age groups. This diversity, however, underscores the inequities in financial hardship experienced across the state.
Despite their hard work, ALICE families face a fundamental mismatch between the cost of living and their earnings. Let’s take a deeper look at the numbers in our counties:
ALICE in Allegany County
Within the 16,813 total number of households in Allegany County, the percentage below the ALICE Threshold dipped slightly, from 52% to 50%.
A startling 85% of households headed by single men with children were below the ALICE Threshold.
Meanwhile, 76% of Allegany County householders under the age of 25 were struggling below the ALICE Threshold.
ALICE in Cattaraugus County
Despite a decrease in the number of households in Cattaraugus County, down to 32,016, the percentage of households below the ALICE Threshold climbed from 41% to 48% between 2021 and 2022.
In particular, the American Native population is struggling – 452 of the 731 households counted are considered as not thriving.
Additionally, 76% of single-female-headed households with children and 85% of householders under the age of 25, are below the ALICE Threshold.
Explore County Numbers Further
See the data in action for yourself by heading to United For ALICE’s New York County Reports page and selecting the county for which you’d like to see more information.
How You Can Help
Advocating for and supporting ALICE families is crucial for the overall health and stability of our community. By getting involved, you can help create meaningful change for these families. Here are a few ways to make a difference:
Volunteer your time with local organizations that support ALICE families.
Donate to initiatives aimed at providing financial relief and resources to those in need.
Advocate for policy changes that address the root causes of financial instability and promote equitable economic opportunities.
Learn more about how you can support ALICE families in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and help build a stronger, more resilient community. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who work tirelessly to keep our communities running.
For more information on ALICE and how you can get involved, visit the United For ALICE website and join the United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties in our mission to support those in need.
