United Way of Northeastern Minnesota has joined a national movement to raise awareness about a growing but often hidden population in our communities: ALICE®
Who is ALICE?
ALICE refers to our friends, neighbors, and family members who play an essential role in our communities but often struggle to make ends meet.
ALICE workers include:
- personal care aides
- nursing assistants
- cooks
- cashiers
- laborers
- and others we rely on every day!
Though every United Way organization is independently and locally operated, UWNEMN worked with United Ways across the state and the United for ALICE network to create and release a new report, “ALICE in Minnesota: A Study of Financial Hardship” in September 2024.
The report reveals that from 2010 to 2022 the total number of households in Minnesota rose by 10%, households in poverty increased by 1% — and the number of ALICE households grew by 33%.
“Our organization works to help people and communities thrive, and in order to do so, we need a true reflection of local needs. This report shows glaring gaps in our prior understanding of residents who need additional support and how upstream interventions could stabilize hard working families and individuals in a way that would strengthen our entire region.”
- UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay
Minnesota is now the 30th state in the nation to utilize ALICE data.
Dig into the data on an interactive website that breaks down information on different local levels!
“I have been retired for two years. I am currently 76, single, and receive SS and pension. I receive energy assistance and food support. However, I am over the income limit by $45 to receive help for my Medicare and U-Care total premiums.
The most challenging thing now is price increases on everything: house insurance, real estate taxes (I qualified for the refund), car insurance, premiums, and internet. I had the ACP, but that program has not been extended.
Most seniors who live in their homes have a first mortgage, and I have a second mortgage as well. I do have savings, however I need this income to stay in my home. I am not ready to live in an apartment and thank goodness not assisted living." – DJM, Virginia MN
If you have questions about ALICE, please contact UWNEMN Community Impact Director Crystal Royer at 218-215-2424.
Special thanks to the Northland Foundation for uniting with other sponsors in support of United Ways of Minnesota's launch of “ALICE in Minnesota: A Study of Financial Hardship.”
