(Canton, OH) November 6, 2018 United Way of Greater Stark County is shining a light on the hidden poverty in our community. Its latest research report reveals that 38 percent of Greater Stark County households cannot afford basic life necessities, including housing, food, transportation, child care and health care.
United Way uses the term ALICE to describe this hidden population, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
According to federal poverty level guidelines, 18,207 households in Greater Stark County live in poverty. But with its ALICE report, United Way exposes a much greater need — an additional 39,449 households in our community are unable to make ends meet, despite maintaining employment.
“The truth is we all know ALICE,” said United Way of Greater Stark County President and CEO Maria Heege. “ALICE is your neighbor. Your office clerk. Your waitress. And these people in our community need our help.”
United Way of Greater Stark County is working to ensure that ALICE individuals and families have access to the support they need.
In September, the organization launched its annual campaign. Donations stay in the community to fund local services and programs that help improve the health, education and financial stability of ALICE, such as the United Way 2-1-1 helpline, the Emergency Assistance Collaborative, Access Health Stark County, the Alliance for Children and Family Services and the YMCA of Central Stark County. See the complete list of their 2018-2019 funded partners.
www.uwstark.org/our-work/community-partners/
“ALICE has far broader community consequences than many people realize,” said Heege. “When these individuals skip preventative health care visits, forgo car insurance or receive substandard child care, we all feel the impact, whether it’s through higher insurance premiums or taxes. We all have a stake in improving the conditions for ALICE, but we can’t do it alone. We need the support of businesses and individuals in our community.”
United Way of Great Stark County’s annual campaign runs through December 6. To contribute, text UWSTARK to 41444 or visit www.uwstark.org/get-involved/give.
About United Way of Greater Stark County
United Way of Greater Stark County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. By mobilizing the best resources. And by inspiring individuals to join the fight against their community’s most daunting social crisis. Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities in Greater Stark County. In order to live better, we must live United. For more information about United Way of Greater Stark County visit www.uwstark.org. Offices are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.