Helping ALICE Households Move from Surviving to Thriving
Half of the households in North Central Florida work hard every day yet still struggle to afford the basics. These families are known as ALICE®—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
They're our teachers' aides, nursing assistants, retail workers, childcare providers, mechanics, and first responders. They earn too much to qualify for many assistance programs but not enough to consistently cover housing, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials.
At United Way North Central Florida, helping ALICE households achieve lasting financial stability is at the heart of everything we do.
Meet ALICE
ALICE isn't someone else.
ALICE is the neighbor working two jobs while struggling to pay rent.
ALICE is the healthcare worker deciding between groceries and a car repair.
ALICE is the childcare teacher who helps others succeed while worrying about making ends meet.
Across our six-county region, half of households either live below the Federal Poverty Level or fall below the ALICE Threshold. These hardworking families are the backbone of our local economy, yet many remain one unexpected expense away from financial crisis.
How We Help Families Build Financial Security
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, United Way works to remove barriers that prevent ALICE households from achieving long-term stability.
Our work focuses on three key strategies.
Unexpected emergencies can derail even the most carefully managed household budget.
Through direct emergency assistance and investments in trusted nonprofit partners, we help families overcome temporary financial crises before they become long-term setbacks.
Whether it's help with housing, utilities, transportation, or other urgent needs, our goal is to provide support that keeps families moving forward—not falling behind.
Every dollar matters.
United Way North Central Florida operates the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, providing free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers for eligible households.
By eliminating preparation fees and helping families claim valuable tax credits, VITA puts thousands of dollars back into local households each year—money that can be used for housing, childcare, transportation, education, or savings.
Financial security isn't created through one program alone.
United Way uses ALICE research to understand where financial hardship exists, identify service gaps, guide community investments, and bring organizations together around shared solutions.
Our funding decisions, partnerships, and advocacy efforts are informed by data—ensuring resources are directed where they're needed most.
When we understand the challenges ALICE households face, we can build solutions that create lasting change.
Why It Matters
Financial security isn't just about income.
It's about having the ability to weather an unexpected expense, care for your family, plan for the future, and build opportunities for the next generation.
When ALICE households become financially stable, employers have a stronger workforce, children experience greater stability, local businesses thrive, and communities become more resilient.
Helping ALICE succeed helps all of North Central Florida succeed.
Get Involved
Financial security is a community effort.
You can help by:
- Supporting United Way through a donation
- Volunteering with the VITA program
- Partnering with us through your workplace
- Advocating for solutions that strengthen ALICE households
Together, we can create a community where every hardworking family has the opportunity to build a stable financial future.