ALICE

1 in 3 Households in Our Communities Struggle to Make Ends Meet

At Crossroads United Way (CRUW), our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families by mobilizing the caring power of our communities to advance the common good. The reality that nearly 124,000 people in our communities are living at the ALICE or poverty level underscores the critical need for our efforts.

We are dedicated to addressing these challenges through programs that promote youth opportunity, financial security, community resiliency, and healthy community—the building blocks for a better life. By focusing on these areas, we aim to create lasting change and provide pathways out of poverty, aligning with our vision of a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can make a significant impact and help our neighbors achieve financial security and a brighter future.

Financial Challenges in Our Communities

In our region, approximately 42% of residents are categorized as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or live below the poverty line. That translates to nearly 1 in 3 residents struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, food, healthcare, and transportation. These families work hard but still face challenges making ends meet, highlighting the importance of CRUW programs and resources.

Who is ALICE?

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households earn above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but below the Household Survival Budget, which accounts for all basic needs in a modern economy:

  • Food, transportation, childcare, healthcare, and housing
  • A basic smartphone plan
  • Taxes and a small emergency fund

Unlike the FPL—which is based on outdated food-cost calculations—the Household Survival Budget is adjusted for local conditions, household size, and household composition, providing a more accurate picture of financial challenges in our communities.

The Cost to Survive

The ALICE Household Survival Budget is the bare minimum income needed to live and work in today’s economy. Examples for households in our communities:

  • Family of four (2 young children): $58,428/year ($29.21/hour)
  • Single senior adult: $27,948/year ($13.97/hour)
  • Single adult: $24,636/year ($12.32/hour)

Senior households have different needs, with reduced costs for food and transportation but increased healthcare expenses reflected in the Senior Survival Budget.

Populations Most Affected

ALICE affects people across all age groups, with young adults and seniors especially impacted:

  • 66% of individuals under 25 (college students, early career) fall below the ALICE Threshold
  • 49% of seniors struggle to pay monthly bills
  • 33–34% of working-age adults (25–64) struggle to pay monthly bills

Single-headed households face disproportionate challenges:

  • 76% of female-headed households with children struggle financially
  • 53% of male-headed households with children struggle financially
  • 37% of other single or cohabiting households without children struggle financially

Understanding Local Variances

Across Indiana, approximately 39% of households fall below the ALICE Threshold, highlighting the widespread financial challenges that exist in many communities. Costs of living also vary widely: for a family of four, annual survival budgets range from $53,028 to $76,608, while single adult budgets range from $22,680 to $31,644 depending on location.

United for ALICE

CRUW partners with United for ALICE, a national initiative founded by United Way of Northern New Jersey, to:

  • Spread awareness of the challenges ALICE families face
  • Increase compassion and understanding of working families struggling to make ends meet
  • Advocate for policy changes that help families thrive and narrow the wealth gap

Indiana United Ways provide research briefs, interactive dashboards, and marketing resources to help communities understand and address ALICE-related challenges.

Experience the Tough Choices Simulation

To understand the difficult decisions ALICE families face each day, try the Tough Choices Simulation developed by Indiana United Ways. It’s a hands-on way to see what it’s like to balance basic needs on a limited income.
Try the Simulation

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