Coming fall 2026...
Learn about the true state of financial hardship in Alaska.
In late September, United Way of Anchorage, in partnership with United for ALICE, will release a ground-breaking study that provides the most comprehensive picture of financial hardship across Alaska. This report looks beyond traditional federal poverty guidelines, focuses on an often-overlooked population that earns above them, and allows you to explore what it really costs to meet your and your families' needs. When we introduce the report, you'll find it on our homepage and right here connected to United Way's initiatives where you can explore the work that we do everyday to help ALICE.
Meet ALICE
ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households bring in income above the outdated federal poverty levels, but they struggle or are unable to afford the basics: housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology. United Way will use the term ALICE as we roll out this new data and, more importantly, begin directly addressing ALICE challenges that effect individual Alaskans, families across our state, and even our economy.
ALICE Everyday
We meet ALICE everyday. They can be any age, race, or ethnicity and of any ability, though households of color are disproportionately ALICE. Every community nationwide has ALICE households. Workers whose wages cannot keep up with the rising cost of goods and services are ALICE. Although they often work two or more jobs, ALICE still cannot pay all their bills. Even caregivers who are helping assist family members and can't find adequate work can be ALICE. These people frequently ask themselves, "Do I pay the rent or buy food? Have medical care or child care? Put money toward gas for my car or my utility bills?"
ALICE lives paycheck to paycheck and makes impossible choices daily.
ALICE Everywhere
ALICE workers are the people we rely on. They're retail sales people, child care workers, home health aides, delivery drivers, cashiers, and many others. They make our economy–-and our daily lives–-run smoothly. However, they've struggled for far too long. United is the Way we can tackle ALICE's harsh realities.
Spotlight -> Action
United Way's highly anticipated ALICE research will quantify the number of households that are struggling in Anchorage and communities across Alaska. Together, we can acknowledge this problem, create solutions, and take steps that ensure every community member has opportunities to thrive.
Shine a Light.
Highlight the Scope of Financial Survival Gaps & Alaska’s Economic Reality.
Educate Our Community.
Bring Community Leaders & the Public Together to Support ALICE Alaskans.
Host Conversations.
Lead our Communities to Solutions so That Households Thrive Instead of Struggle.
Stories -> Action
Have you lived in an ALICE household? Are you ALICE now? Do you have family members or close friends who live as ALICE and see their challenges? A simple but important way that you can help spark meaningful change in Anchorage and Alaska is to submit an audio recording, telling United Way what you've gone through, are going through, or watched other people go through. We will listen to your story. Then, we may use it to inform our work or contact you to ask if we can publish it.
Share your stories of struggle, strength, and hope.
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United For Alice
United Way of Anchorage partners with United For ALICE, which is a U.S. research organization driving solutions to financial hardship that is led by United Way of Northern New Jersey.
Learn more about United Way's impact areas, initiatives, partnerships, and programs!
