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United Way of Broward County Releases ALICE Report
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Did you know there are more than 300,000 households in Broward County unable to afford Broward's high cost of living? United Way of Broward County released a groundbreaking report today that provides a truly comprehensive picture of financial need in Florida, beyond traditional federal poverty guidelines.
United Way coined the acronym ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The ALICE Report places a spotlight on a large population of hardworking residents who work yet have little or no savings, and are one emergency from falling into poverty. The Report unveils new measures, based on households' income levels and expenses that quantify the size of who in Florida's workforce is struggling financially, and why.
The ALICE Report is a study of family finances conducted by Rutgers University. Visit UnitedWayBroward.org/ALICE to download the ALICE Report and learn more about this important community issue.
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 |  | |  | In connection with the launch of the ALICE Report, the Sun Sentinel published an intensive look at the ALICE Report, the population in Broward and Palm Beach Counties and how we can support this growing population.
Click here to read the article. |  | |  |
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Who is ALICE?
The ALICE population is comprised of individuals living above the poverty level (approximately $23,000 for a family of four), but below what it costs to provide for the basics of self-sufficiency: housing, childcare, food, transportation and healthcare.
The ALICE population represents those among us who are working, but their salaries do not match Broward's high cost of living. The ALICE Report shows 47% of Broward County is considered to be in the ALICE population or already in poverty. These are our neighbors, families and co-workers and their work supports all of us.
Meet Vireka Camarou
Like so many military service members returning home from combat, Virteka Camarou experienced difficulty returning to her everyday civilian life when she was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy after five years of service.
Virteka's story closely resembles so many in the ALICE population. Click here to learn more about how she was able to reach a level of financial security through MISSION UNITED.
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How Can You Help?
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Our entire community has a vested interest in the stability and success of the ALICE population because when they succeed, so does our community.
Be the Change
- Talk about the ALICE population with your neighbors, friends and colleagues
- Learn share and work with the programs strengthening and supporting the ALICE population and our community (free tax preparation, afterschool tutoring, etc.)
- Encourage businesses to grow in ways that allow them to support their workforce
- Join United Way of Broward County in working with local and state governments to ensure our families and community have every opportunity to be secure and successful.
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Help ALICE Population Through Public Policy Advocacy
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We are at a watershed moment in our country's history. Far too many families are walking a financial tightrope, unable to afford life's basic necessities, and just one emergency from falling into financial crisis. These working families comprise an integral part of our local and state economy.
The cause for the prevalence of ALICE households in Broward and the state is a high cost of living that is beyond what most jobs can provide for working households. These are systemic problems that require innovative and integrated solutions. For legislators, policy makers, business leaders and others, the challenge is to increase economic opportunities and earning potential for working families, while lowering the cost of living. Some potential long term solutions include:
- Promoting economic diversification for higher paying job sectors, i.e. Port Everglades expansion projects
- Supporting small business growth with technical support programs and increased access to capital
- Increasing access to affordable healthcare
- Increasing access to affordable, quality child care
- Investing in affordable, accessible public transportation
- Promoting local incentives with private developers to encourage the development of affordable and attainable housing through zoning bonus programs, expedited permitting, and tax abatement programs
- Sharing best business practices that promote employee saving and prosperity.
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Thank You to Our Sponsors
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Upcoming Events
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Day of Caring
Friday, December 5
7:00 a.m.
Osswald Park
View Sponsorship Information
Women's Leadership Council Power of the Purse: Baubles & Bubbles
Holiday Sip n' Shop
Wednesday, December 10
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
110 Tower
Wine, Women & Shoes
Thursday, March 19
6:00 p.m.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
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Help United Way Continue to Make a Difference
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United Way of Broward County is committed to mobilizing the resources of our community and finding common sense solutions to problems facing Broward County. Help us continue to achieve great work by making an online donation today. Click here.
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Do something extraordinary. Make your imprint. Change lives. Forever.
Join United Way of Broward County's Legacy Circle today. Learn more.
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