ALICE

Who is ALICE?

ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) represents the hardworking individuals and families in our community who struggle to afford the basics—housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and transportation. They earn too much to qualify for most public assistance programs but not enough to achieve financial stability. ALICE is the cashier at your grocery store, the childcare provider watching over our kids, the server at your favorite restaurant—they are essential workers keeping our community running.

At Heart of West Michigan United Way, we rely on ALICE data to shape our investments and drive real, lasting change. We know that poverty is more than a paycheck issue—it’s a systemic challenge that requires strategic, community-driven solutions. That’s why we work to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and create pathways to stability so that ALICE families—and our entire community—can thrive.

Stories of ALICE in our community

Community Pulse
Overcoming Loss and Eviction: Carissa's Journey to Stability
Overcoming Loss and Eviction: Carissa's Journey to Stability

For families like Carissa’s, unexpected life changes can turn stability into uncertainty overnight. Thanks to a United Way partner Carissa was able to keep a roof over her family’s head during one of the most challenging times in her life.

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Operation United: Serving those who’ve served
Operation United: Serving those who’ve served

For more than five years now, our local business community and United Way have joined forces to create a day that embodies the power of unity and compassion.

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When Disaster Strikes, 2-1-1 Answers the Call
When Disaster Strikes, 2-1-1 Answers the Call

Deanna Mey was sitting down to watch the evening news when the lights began to flicker. At first she didn’t think much of it: That happens now and then at her house off 6 Mile Road near Comstock Park. Then it suddenly became very dark, and she heard something strike her house.

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Do You Have an ALICE Story?

Every day, hardworking individuals and families in our community face tough choices—whether it’s paying rent or putting food on the table, covering childcare or keeping the lights on. If you’ve experienced the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck, your story can help raise awareness and drive change. If you’re willing to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you. Your story can inspire understanding, shape solutions, and show that no one should have to struggle alone.

ALICE Numbers in West Michigan

  • 1 in 3 households

    33% of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. This includes those in the ALICE population and households those below the federal poverty line.

  • 52% OF BLACK HOUSEHOLDS

    Financial hardship is not equally distributed. Black and Hispanic households are 1.6 times and 1.4 times, respectively, as likely as white households to fall below the ALICE threshold.

  • 72% of Single Mothers

    Nearly 3 in 4 single mothers fall below the ALICE threshold.

  • 39% OF CHILDREN

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Dive Deeper: the latest ALICE reports

Explore the interactive report by clicking the link below and selecting your county from the drop-down menu.

Could You Make It to the End of the Month?

Every day, millions of hardworking families face impossible choices—pay the rent or fix the car? Buy groceries or cover childcare? These decisions aren’t just tough; they shape futures.

The Making Ends Meet Simulation puts you in their shoes. You’ll take on the role of a household trying to stretch every dollar while keeping stress levels in check. Each choice you make will bring you closer to the end of the month—or push you further into crisis.

This isn’t just an activity—it’s a chance to understand, reflect, and take action.