ALICE

Find out more about ALICE

ALICE stands for Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed.

Who is ALICE? They are hard-working individuals and families across Tennessee who, despite being employed and earning above the poverty line, still struggle with affording basic needs like transportation, housing, food, healthcare, and childcare.

For ALICE households, the cost of living can make even basic needs seem out of reach. The Household Survival Budget, which varies by county, reflects the minimum expenses required to live and work in today’s economy and is used to determine whether households fall above or below the ALICE threshold.

View Tennessee County Specific Data including Household Survival Budget.

Here’s a look at 2022 statistics for the counties in our nine-county footprint:

County	% ALICE + Poverty
Cheatham	43%
Davidson	47%
Dickson	46%
Hickman	51%
Houston	49%
Montgomery	41%
Robertson	47%
Stewart	41%
Williamson	29%

Essential partnerships

Across the nation, nonprofit, public, and private partners are collaborating to drive systems-level support for ALICE. Locally, United for ALICE partners with United Ways of Tennessee and the Tennessee Afterschool Network to bring these findings to light. Coalitions drive real change for ALICE families in Tennessee, helping them achieve stability and growth. By raising awareness, supporting local initiatives, and connecting individuals and families with essential resources, we’re building stronger communities.

Join us in standing beside our neighbors. United Way invests in vital community partnerships that help families thrive. Learn more about Tennessee’s Report Card and the steps you can take to support ALICE families by visiting unitedforalice.org/tennessee.