Despite Bigger Paychecks, Struggling Households in Michigan Continue to Increase
Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) released its latest study on the condition of Michigan’s working families, also known as ALICE households—Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed. The 2024 ALICE Report found 28% of households in Livingston County still struggled to make ends meet in 2022. With pandemic assistance waning, significant challenges remain, including sustained high levels of food insufficiency, feelings of anxiety and depression, and continued difficulty paying bills.
Livingston County ALICE numbers show a regression from the 2023 report with a slight increase from 24% to 28%. Livingston County families fare better than in many other communities. According to the latest report, Michigan’s state average for poverty is 13%, plus an additional 28% ALICE population, equaling 41% of our state’s families are either living in or near poverty levels. The report reinforces the fact that the work we do is more important than ever. It will take even greater community support to effect change for these additional struggling families.
Livingston County United Way currently works to provide some short- and medium-term solutions for ALICE households, such as offering scholarships to access quality child care, promoting free tax preparation and financial and career mentoring, and eviction diversion.
To learn more about the local work supporting ALICE, contact aschroeder@lcunitedway.org.