New ALICE Report Reveals Financial Hardship for Thousands in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties
The latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report uncovers a sobering reality: a significant portion of households in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties struggle to afford basic necessities despite being employed.
ALICE households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county. This includes expenses such as housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care. The ALICE report provides a comprehensive look at these households, offering insights into the challenges they face.
"Many of our friends and neighbors are ALICE," said Susan McAuley, United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties Executive Director. "They are doing everything they can to make ends meet. We are shining a light on their struggle because with awareness comes change."
In Allegany County, 35.2% of households live below the ALICE Threshold, encompassing both ALICE and poverty-level households. With a total of 16,813 households, this indicates that over 5,900 families face financial hardship.
In Cattaraugus County, 29.4% of households are below the ALICE Threshold out of 32,016 total households, meaning approximately 9,400 families are struggling to meet basic needs.
These statistics, provided by United for ALICE, highlight the prevalence of financial instability among working families in our communities. The United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties urges community members, businesses, and policymakers to recognize the challenges faced by ALICE households and to collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability and well-being for all residents.
United for ALICE, led by United Way of Northern New Jersey, includes United Ways, corporations, nonprofits, and foundations across the US.
The project raises awareness about working families struggling to afford basic necessities. It provides unbiased data that is replicable, easily updated on a regular basis, and sensitive to local context. The ultimate goal of the project is to stimulate action that will improve the financial stability of ALICE families and their communities.
For more information about ALICE and to view the county-specific data, visit www.unitedforalice.org/county-reports/new-york
The United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties is dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. Through partnerships and initiatives, we strive to create lasting change in education, income, and health.
