Out of the 3.95 million households in Georgia, 34% are hardworking families who are living under the threshold of financial survival based on the state’s 2021 cost of living data, according to the ALICE Report released today by the United Ways of Georgia State Association. The Report was released in partnership with United for ALICE, a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for people in financial hardship.
ALICE in Georgia: A Study of Financial Hardship places a spotlight on a large population of hardworking families who are employed, but are living paycheck to paycheck and are one unexpected expense away from financial crisis. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The Report is the most comprehensive depiction of financial need in the state to date, using the latest data from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census. The Report unveils new measures, based on 2021 income levels and expenses that quantify how many families in Georgia are working, but struggling financially, and why.
In 2021, over 1.3 million Georgia households fell into what United Way calls the ALICE population. These are hardworking families earning more than the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but are still struggling to afford basic living expenses. Combining those households with the 530,000 families living in poverty reflects that 47% of Georgia households live below the ALICE threshold. The ALICE Household Survival Budget for a Georgia family of four in 2021 was $61,164, well above the Federal Poverty Line at $26,500.
United Ways of Georgia (UWGA), an association composed of the 31 United Way organizations operating in Georgia, have collectively invested to become the 29th state organization to participate in United for ALICE. Georgia Credit Union Association is the presenting sponsor of the United for ALICE Georgia Report.
“We all know ALICE,” said Michael Smith, President and CEO…
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