GOAL: Creating stronger financial future for every generation.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
- ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The ALICE report is a means to define and understand the individuals and families working hard but not earning enough to afford basic living needs.
- 35% of Wood County and 44% of Adams County households are struggling - despite most of these households earning income above the Federal Poverty Level.
- With rising healthcare costs, seniors are the largest growing segment of ALICE households. 49% of Wood County seniors and 51% of Adams County seniors live below the ALICE threshold.
- Unable to save, ALICE households may be one unexpected expense or emergency away from spiraling into poverty.
LOCAL RESULTS
- Less than 1/3 of Wisconsin's struggling households have emergency savings.
- Basic financial education is necessary to reach financial stability and independence.
- United Way's Financial Security Coalition established the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl event, driving student interest & engagement in financial education.
- 99 students from local high schools participated in the 2025 Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl.
- $2,422 was the average return received by individuals in south Wood County who filed for free with MyFreeTaxes in 2024.
- At a cost of thousands per child each year, childcare is unaffordable for many ALICE families.
- For ALICE families who may not qualify for Wisconsin Shares, United Way's investment helps bridge the gap - meaning children who need it most get quality care, and parents remain in the workforce.
- 5 families received childcare aid through partner programs in 2024 and were able to stay employed as a result.
- 2,977 hours of quality childcare were provided through a partner program in 2024 allowing parents to remain employed.
- Assistance with housing & shelter was the most common need recorded by our local 211 Contact Center in 2024.
- 1,610 calls were answered by our local 211 contact center regarding housing and emergency shelter in 2024.
- United Way's investment in partner programs provides ALICE households with resources to find & afford safe, stable housing - and in many cases, avoid eviction.
- 984 community members received assistance from partner programs to avoid eviction in 2024.
- Victims of domestic violence often have limited assets as a result of abuse, which makes it extremely difficult to leave and obtain safe housing. United Way's investment helps provide safe shelter to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - which can mean the difference between life & death.
- 81 victims of domestic violence received safe shelter through a partner program in 2024.
- 35 volunteers participated in the Homeless Point in Time Count in January & July 2024.
- Over 500 volunteers made an impact through Day of Caring, Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl, and the Financial Security Coalition in 2024.
Source: Financial Security Coalition, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties, United Way of Wisconsin ALICE report 2018, UWSWAC Partner Program, UWSWAC’s Volunteer Center, United Way’s 2-1-1
SUCCESS STORY
In Wisconsin Rapids, a single mother found herself struggling to make ends meet. With two young children and a part-time job, she was constantly worried about losing their home. She didn't know where to turn until a friend referred her to a United Way partner housing assistance program designed to help families in need.
With United Way funds, one month of rental assistance was provided while she worked to achieve her goals. The United Way partner program also provided financial counseling and connections to job placement services. With that support, she secured a full-time job with better pay and benefits, giving her the stability to focus on her children's education and her own dreams.
A year later, the household's situation improved dramatically. They moved into a safer neighborhood, the children thrive at school, and the mother started taking night classes to build an even brighter future.
This family's story is a testament to the impact that housing assistance programs have. By offering a lifeline in times of need, these programs help people regain their footing and work towards a more secure and prosperous life.
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