help make a life-changing difference for our neighbors just like Alice.

we need a movement to change these outcomes—we need your support today!

A•L•I•C•E
ASSET-LIMITED, INCOME-CONSTRAINED, EMPLOYED

It’s no secret that people experiencing poverty struggle to meet their basic needs. But so do many families with incomes above the federal poverty level. In fact, 1 in 4 Kent County households fall below the ALICE threshold.

where does the money go?

When you give to United Way, we mobilize your dollars to create lasting, equitable change right in your community—not simply treating the symptoms of poverty, but fighting the root causes. For more than a century, Heart of West Michigan United Way has been a community convener by addressing immediate needs, carefully researching the long-term issues, and then bringing the appropriate resources together to create measurable, transparent solutions.

Our Community Grant Fund invests in programs that align with our mission to reduce poverty in Kent County and our vision to create a thriving community for all. View Our Annual Report

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ALICE households aren’t just in urban areas—they’re located ALL OVER KENT COUNTY

In Kent County:

The COVID-19 pandemic brought employment shifts, health struggles, and school/business closures in 2021, it also spurred unprecedented public assistance through pandemic relief measures. In 2021, ALICE households decreased by 2% overall, while households in poverty have stayed relatively flat from 2007–21.

Not surprisingly, many families with children live below the ALICE threshold. Families with married parents are nearly 7x less likely to be ALICE than single-female households (with children).

While the largest demographic groups tend to have the largest ALICE population by number, when looking at the percentage of each group it is clear that some groups are more likely to be ALICE than others.
62% of Black Households
44% of Hispanic households
29% of White households

$20.44 per hour only accounts for the bare minimum needed to survive: housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, technology, and taxes.

Statistics source: unitedforalice.org. Updated April 2023.

Struggling to make ends meet

Working full time as a para-professional isn’t enough to cover the monthly expenses. Rising costs due to inflation are making it even more difficult to meet her family’s daily needs.
making the call

Alice’s friend told her to call 2-1-1, UNITED WAY’S FREE 24/7 HELPLINE. Alice called and spoke with a real person who connected her to local resources.
ACCESS TO FOOD

United Way FUNDS NONPROFITS, like Community Food Club, THAT INCREASE FOOD SECURITY. Alice and Anthony gained access to affordable and healthy food, as well as nutrition education.
MAXIMIZING TAX REFUND

Alice schedules an appointment through United Way’s VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Trained volunteers help her receive the maximum amount of refunds and credits. Alice uses this money to catch up on bills and treat her son to a nice meal.
GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT

Another funded partner, Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, helped Alice complete the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program, pass the state CNA exam, and FIND GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT.
WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER

Alice is grateful for the network that supported her family and restored their hope. Now, they can meet basic needs and save for the future—including Anthony’s college fund. To give back, they volunteer and spread the word about COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO HELP FAMILIES just like theirs.