MEET ALICE—
Working, Striving, Falling Behind
At the heart of everything we do at United Way of Southeastern Idaho is ALICE. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals who work hard in essential jobs such as childcare educators, home health aides, and cashiers, yet still struggle to cover basic living expenses. Although they earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, many live paycheck to paycheck, just one emergency away from financial ruin.
For many households in Southeastern Idaho, achieving financial stability can feel out of reach, no matter how hard they work. These families are vital to our community, yet they face daily challenges that hinder long-term stability. At United Way, we work to connect ALICE families with the resources and support they need to thrive. Your support makes this possible to help to build a stronger, more resilient community for everyone.
The State of ALICE in Idaho
Together, we inspire action, strategies, and policies to ensure that all households have enough income for necessities and can save for the future.
Please join us with intention as we listen, learn, and confront the tough realities in Idaho. Only then can we change the narrative, together.
More than 2 in 5 U.S. households are struggling to afford the basics of living, a group that includes both households in poverty and those classified as ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households earn above the federal poverty level but still do not make enough to cover essential expenses like housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and transportation. This financial reality spans all states and demographics, illustrating that economic hardship is widespread, even among the employed.
Samuel’s Story
From Truck to Triumph.
He wore the uniform with pride, served his country with honor, and like so many, returned to civilian life only to face a new kind of battle.
This veteran wasn’t jobless. He wasn’t lazy. He was A.L.I.C.E.: Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed. He had drive. He had goals. But he didn’t have a stable place to call home.
For a while, he stayed with friends. When that wasn’t an option anymore, his truck became his shelter. Nights were cold. Days were long. But still, he showed up. He kept moving forward. When a spot opened at SEICAA Housing’s veteran shelter, he stepped through the doors with one thing: determination. He wasn’t looking for a handout, he wanted a path forward. And with case managers, community partners, and his own resolve, he found one. In just three weeks, he landed a job with the county, a position that offered retirement, benefits, and most importantly: dignity. But his impact didn’t stop with himself. Inside the shelter, he became a beacon. He mentored other veterans, uplifted their spirits, and helped staff however he could. Now he’s searching for a permanent home. He’s optimistic, motivated, and ready.
This is what A.L.I.C.E. looks like: resilient, hopeful, a mentor.
And this is what happens when a community cares.
Every open door. Every helping hand. Every second chance—United is the way.
David’s Story
Simple changes for huge impacts.
When David lost his father in a tragic accident, school became a daily struggle. Grief made it hard to focus, and completing homework felt impossible. That changed when he met Eduardo, a long-term mentor from Friends of the Children (a United Way of Southeastern Idaho Funded Partner).
Eduardo gained David’s trust through consistent care and creative encouragement. A simple solution–30 minutes of bike riding after school helped David release energy and improve focus. Eduardo even taught David’s older brother how to fix a bike tire, building his confidence and strengthening their bond. What began as support for one child, grew into resilience for an entire family.
This is the power of investing in programs that walk alongside ALICE families, every step of the way.
ALICE makes:
too much.not enough.
ALICE Households—
are diverse, but financial hardship is not equally distributed.
ALICE households are as diverse as the communities they live in. ALICE household data is available at the state and county levels by race/ethnicity, household composition (families with children, single households), and age of householder. We invite you to explore the demographics of financial hardship in our state and local economy.
Request an ALICE Presentation
See how you can assist ALICE in achieving stability, here at home in SE Idaho.
Join Us
in empowering ALICE families for a brighter future
As advocates for ALICE and poverty-level families, we know financial insecurity can be devastating and include poor health, education and employment outcomes. However, there is hope, because the problems facing ALICE families are interconnected; effective solutions must be too. And that’s why we’re all reading this today – because we are curious and care deeply about the barriers facing ALICE families and are continually committed to building solutions together that are right for our neighbors, towns, cities, counties, and states. Ultimately, we know if ALICE households can become financially stable, our economy will be stronger and communities more vibrant, improving life not just ALICE but for everyone.
Your support can make a real difference. Whether it’s contributing your time, resources, or expertise, together we can provide essential assistance and opportunities to A.L.I.C.E. families in need. Act now and be a catalyst for positive change. Every small effort counts – let’s build a stronger, more inclusive community for all.