A.L.I.C.E. stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
According to the latest report from UnitedForALICE, 11% of Idaho households were living below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) in 2024. However, the FPL tells only part of the story. An additional 26% of Idaho households — more than twice the number officially living in poverty — were ALICE: working households that earned above the poverty line but still struggled to afford basic necessities.
These are individuals and families who work hard every day but still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare.
ALICE is your neighbor. Your child's teacher. Your barista. Your dental hygienist.
ALICE households often earn too much to qualify for many forms of public assistance, yet not enough to cover the true cost of living. These are the people who keep our communities running: childcare providers, teachers, healthcare workers, retail employees, first responders, hospitality staff, and many others.
At United Way of North Idaho, we use ALICE data to better understand the challenges facing local families and to invest in programs and partnerships that help them achieve long-term financial stability. By supporting ALICE households, we're building stronger families, a more resilient workforce, and healthier communities for everyone.
WHY IT MATTERS
The financial stability of ALICE households is essential to the strength of our communities. When working families struggle to afford basic necessities, the effects ripple throughout our local economy, workforce, schools, and neighborhoods. There is no single solution to the complex challenges ALICE households face, but understanding those challenges is the first step toward meaningful change.
The ALICE Report gives us a clearer picture of the individuals and families who live one unexpected expense away from financial crisis. These are the people we rely on every day: working behind cash registers, caring for our children and older adults, repairing our vehicles, preparing our meals, and serving our communities in countless other ways. Despite working hard — often at multiple jobs — many still earn too little to achieve lasting financial stability.
The challenges facing ALICE affect all of us. That's why we invite community leaders, employers, policymakers, nonprofits, and residents to use the ALICE Report as a catalyst for conversation and collaboration. Together, we can create solutions that strengthen families, support a thriving workforce, and build a more resilient North Idaho for everyone.