Need Doesn't Stop At the Poverty Line

Between ALICE households and those living in poverty, an estimated 47% of households in Florida were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023.

ALICE Research

Meet ALICE

These community members earn incomes above the poverty line but still struggle as being Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE).

See the report and breakdowns

Collier County

on 2023, 43% of Collier County households were below the ALICE Threshold (up from 36% in 2021).

Monroe County

In 2023, 45% of Monroe County households were below the ALICE Threshold (up from 43% in 2021).

Florida

In 2023, 47% of Florida households were below the ALICE Threshold – which included 1,129,685 households that were in poverty (13%) and 3,033,439 ALICE households (34%).

 

Who is ALICE?

  • ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households have income above the Federal Poverty Level but still don’t make enough to afford the basics.
  • ALICE is the engine that powers our economy. ALICE workers are typically our child care providers, home health aides, delivery drivers, grocery store cashiers, and other essential workers we rely on every day. ALICE can also be a family member, friend, neighbor, or even colleague.
  • ALICE is often locked out of public assistance. Why? Despite ALICE living paycheck to paycheck, in many cases ALICE workers earn too much to qualify for support.
  • Each day brings a new impossible choice for ALICE families, mired in a constant battle to make ends meet. Pay my heating bill, or buy healthy food for my family? Pay for child care, or work reduced hours to stay home with my child?
  • ALICE lives in every community, in every county nationwide. Financial hardship isn’t just a big-city or rural problem – it’s everywhere.
  • ALICE isn’t giving up. Despite the odds, these individuals and families are resilient. ALICE works hard, yet is trapped by systemic barriers that stand in the way of getting ahead.

UWCK is Here to Help

United Way of Collier and the Keys is dedicated to supporting our ALICE population. If you live in Collier or Monroe County and need assistance, explore the resources available to you.

Collier 2-1-1

When you need non-emergency help (housing, utilities, food, employment, etc.), call 2-1-1 to reach a trained specialist who can assist you.

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KeysHelp.org

Looking for help? Our Community Resource Guide connects you to local support for childcare, food, rent and utilities, healthcare, and more.

Keys Help

Make a Donation

Your support of United Way of Collier and the Keys helps change the lives of hardworking ALICE families right here in our community.

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