For many, the gap between financial struggle and stability can feel impossible to close. Often, households who are struggling in one area are struggling in multiple. That’s why United Way of Whatcom County is dedicated to helping ensure that a variety of services are available to help our friends and neighbors who are facing hardship.
Who’s struggling, and why?
Did you know that 45% of Whatcom County households can’t make ends meet? That’s according to the ALICE report, a tool that provides a more accurate measure of financial hardship than the Federal Poverty Level, which is woefully outdated. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and represents hardworking community members who often work one or more jobs but struggle to get by.
The Federal Poverty Level for a family of 4 is $30,000. The ALICE report shows that a family of 4 in Whatcom County with two kids in childcare would need to earn approximately $119,076 to meet their basic needs.
There are many reasons why people struggle financially:
- Stagnant wages
- Lack of vocational training or opportunity
- Rising housing costs
- Unsafe or unstable living conditions
- Domestic violence, addiction or mental health challenges
- The cost of childcare may result in a family member choosing to stay home with little ones, reducing household income and future earning potential.
What you can do about it!
Financial stability is a complex issue. There is no single solution or agency that can do it all. That’s why United Way partners with an entire network of local nonprofit agencies to help address many aspects of why an individual or family may have a tough time making ends meet. United Way’s network of partner agencies forms a community safety net to help our friends and neighbors get back on their feet and stay there. This is all thanks to the generous support of folks like you who want to make Whatcom County a better place. By donating to United Way, you are helping ALICE households close the gap and move from struggle to stability.