published by the Coeur d'Alene Press / Aug 1, 2026
People can join United Way of North Idaho in a show of support for families in August during the 2026 Ride for ALICE campaign.
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families are working-class families who live just above the federal poverty level.
"Although they make ends meet, they often live paycheck to paycheck and are thrust into crisis with one major financial setback such as a medical emergency or loss of transportation," according to a press release.
In 2024, the FPL was $15,060 for a single adult and $31,200 for a family of four.
Many in North Idaho are among the ALICE population, the release said. In 2024, based on the FPL, 11% of Idaho households were defined as being in poverty.
"This measure did not account for an additional 26% of the state’s households — more than twice as many — that were also in financial hardship," the release said. "They’re teachers, cashiers, childcare providers, home care workers, servers, dishwashers, first responders, baristas, nurses, drivers and more. They’re friends, families and neighbors. That's why North Idaho rides for ALICE."
United Way of North Idaho will share stories of ALICE families throughout the month, as well as spotlight donors and sponsors and why they share their support.
Prizes will be awarded after August for photos showcasing creative and unconventional modes of transportation, such as paddle boards, horses or even roller coasters.
Share updates on social media using the hashtag #rideforALICE and tagging United Way of North Idaho on Facebook or @uw_northidaho on Instagram.
Participants will also be encouraged to track miles they ride via the UWNI Ride for ALICE on strava.com, pledge $.10/mile throughout the month and share updates to social media.
The fundraising goal is $5,000 to help support:
• Financial literacy workshops and free professional development for early childhood educators and childcare professionals
• Meals to feed families who attend free Ready for Kindergarten and Parent Café sessions, which support families preparing children for K-12 and provide space for parents to give program feedback and engage in helpful dialogue with other parents
• Books for the UWNI ReadUP program and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to combat the “summer slide” of reading loss when school is out and to ensure children have books in their homes
• Professional Learning Communities, via partnership with IdahoSTARS, the leading expert and referral source for quality childcare in Idaho
Visit www.uwnorthidaho.org/ride-for-alice or contact United Way of North Idaho resource development manager Devin Weeks at devin@uwnorthidaho.org or 208-667-8112 x 105 for details.