Meet Alice

42% of households in our region are below the ALICE threshold (as of 2022)

Genesee

Genesee County

About the County

Population: 58,204
Number of Households: 24,416
Median Household Income: $68,178 (state average: $79,557)
Labor Force Participation Rate: 64% (state average: 63%)
ALICE Households: 26% (state average 31%)
Households in Poverty: 11% (state average 15%)

*2022 Point-in-Time Data

United Way helps families gain access to essential resources. Because of United Way’s support, a family received a high-quality special needs stroller for their 11-year-old child. She has significant physical disabilities that impact her mobility, which makes it difficult for her family to transport her. This stroller better suits her needs and allows her and her family to access the community safely.

Monroe County

About the County

Population: 752,035
Number of Households: 319,346
Median Household Income: $67,923 (state average: $79,557)
Labor Force Participation Rate: 63% (state average: 63%)
ALICE Households: 29% (state average 31%)
Households in Poverty: 14% (state average 15%)

*2022 Point-in-Time Data

United Way helps families navigate difficult times. Because of United Way’s support, four households displaced by a fire were provided immediate resources: temporary housing, hygiene kits, toys, clothing, medication, mental health support, and financial assistance. After a few weeks, all four households secured apartments and financial assistance to support their long-term housing needs.

Wayne County

About the County

Population: 91,125
Number of Households: 36,958
Median Household Income: $71,079 (state average: $79,557)
Labor Force Participation Rate: 60% (state average: 63%)
ALICE Households: 31% (state average 31%)
Households in Poverty: 11% (state average 15%)

*2022 Point-in-Time Data

United Way helps keep meals on the table. Because of United Way’s support, a food pantry can provide healthy perishables all year in communities that lack reliable transportation and grocery store access. For one individual who frequented the pantry, this meant providing stability during uncertainty. When Corey was unemployed, residing in a friend’s travel trailer, and driving an unreliable car, he could at least rely on the pantry to get by; now Corey is employed, recently purchased a new vehicle, and is in the process of buying a home.

*Name has been changed to protect identity

Wyoming County

About the County

Population: 40,338
Number of Households: 16,152
Median Household Income: $65,066 (state average: $79,557)
Labor Force Participation Rate: 57% (state average: 63%)
ALICE Households: 29% (state average 31%)
Households in Poverty: 11% (state average 15%)

*2022 Point-in-Time Data

United Way helps individuals of all abilities thrive. Because of United Way’s support, students of all abilities can participate in summer enrichment programs. Alex* has a learning disability and social limitations. He was able to attend summer camp after receiving a scholarship. The instructors and other campers welcomed him with open arms, making him feel included and safe in the environment. Because of the inclusive teaching, he was able to learn several skilled trade lessons, including running a circular saw.

*Name has been changed to protect identity

Livingston County

About the County

Population: 61,980
Number of Households: 24,071
Median Household Income: $70,443 (state average: $79,557)
Labor Force Participation Rate: 58% (state average: 63%)
ALICE Households: 30% (state average 31%)
Households in Poverty: 11% (state average 15%)

*2022 Point-in-Time Data

United Way helps provide safe housing for individuals in need. Because of United Way’s support, individuals facing difficult financial situations can access the help they need. Placing all her savings into a security deposit for a safe apartment, Susannah* could not afford a bed and necessities. With some financial assistance, Susannah was able to purchase a bed, as well as other necessities to furnish her apartment.

*Name has been changed to protect identity

Ontario County

About the County

Population: 112,707
Number of Households: 48,181
Median Household Income: $76,424 (state average: $79,557)
Labor Force Participation Rate: 60% (state average: 63%)
ALICE Households: 25% (state average 31%)
Households in Poverty: 10% (state average 15%)

*2022 Point-in-Time Data

United Way helps provide safe places for children to thrive after school. Because of United Way’s support, families that fall within the ALICE threshold receive support with childcare costs each month. As a result, children like Matthew can join their favorite program, such as a cooking class. Matthew enjoys being involved in after-school programs and summer camp, where he can channel his creativity, spend time with friends, and learn new skills.

*Name has been changed to protect identity

Who is ALICE?

ALICE can be anyone.

ALICE is your childcare worker, cashier at your supermarket, waitress, or home health aide. They can be your single parent coworker whose single income isn’t enough for quality childcare for all three kids, or your family of four neighbors who are struggling to afford their mortgage with their massive medical debt.

United for ALICE

United for ALICE provides research, language, statistics, and tools to identify and communicate the needs of ALICE households. A grassroots movement led by United Way of Northern New Jersey, the research center—unitedforalice.org--provides a robust resource on all things ALICE.

Access the Reports

2024 NY State ALICE Update

2024 ALICE County Data Sheet

New York Research Center