ALICE is a United Way acronym which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE represents the growing number of families who are working, but due to childcare costs, transportation challenges, high cost of living and so much more, are living paycheck to paycheck. Reduced work hours, a family emergency, or unexpected expense can be catastrophic.
We all know ALICE. ALICE may be a relative or friend. These are our neighbors; our daycare teachers, grocery store associates, hotel clerks, home health aides, and other members of our essential workforce. They live above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to make ends meet. These households are absolutely critical to our community's success, but they are forced to make impossible choices each day.
ALICE In Okaloosa and Walton Counties
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The Facts
- The ALICE Household Survival Budget is the bare-minimum cost of household basics (housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and a smartphone plan, plus taxes). It does not include savings for emergencies or future goals like college or retirement.
- The Survival Budget for Okaloosa and Walton counties shows a single adult would need to earn at least $15.83 an hour to afford their most basic needs; a family of four would need an annual income of at least $66,384; and a senior citizen would need an annual income of at least $33,558. These costs are well above the Federal Poverty Level of $15,060 for a single adult and $31,200 for a family of four.
- ALICE families are forced to make impossible choices: pay the rent or buy food, receive medical care or pay for childcare, pay utility bills or put gas in the car.
- ALICE often includes those who are working two or more jobs and still cannot pay their bills. Less than 2% of ALICE households are unemployed.
Links to ALICE Reports
- NEW! ALICE Economic Viability Dashboard - explore data, compare locations, create action plans to remove barriers, fill gaps, and make changes needed to improve conditions for ALICE
- Interactive Florida ALICE website
- Okaloosa County data
- Walton County data
ALICE Simulations
ALICE Simulations help participants better understand what it might be like to live in a low- to moderate-income household and structural barriers many families face. ALICE Simulations are designed to accommodate 35-100 participants, last about 3.5 hours, and include the following agenda:
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Walk in ALICE's Shoes: Participants step into the roles of individuals and families living on the edge of financial stability, experiencing the daily challenges firsthand.
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Data Highlights: Attendees gain insights from the latest report, learning more about ALICE in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
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Discussions About Creating Real, Lasting Impacts: The heart of ALICE Simulations lies in the commitment to transforming knowledge and empathy into tangible change. Through collaborative brainstorming, participants explore actionable steps to uplift struggling individuals and families.
We invite everyone to be part of this vital community conversation! Your input and commitment are invaluable in our collective efforts to combat poverty and create a more equitable and prosperous community. Together, we can make a significant impact.
Thank you to our friends at Florida Blue Foundation for sponsoring our ALICE Simulations.
Abbreviated ALICE Simulation
- Participate in this online activity: Take a Walk In My Shoes.
- We offer a Making Choices Activity that only takes 20-45 minutes and can accommodate groups of 2+.
If you would like to host an ALICE Simulation, please fill the form out below and we will be in touch!