DES MOINES, IOWA (October 17, 2022) — United Ways of Iowa has announced a three-year partnership with the GreenState Foundation that will commission United Way ALICE Reports for Iowa in both 2023 and 2025.
ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed and represents the growing number of families who are above the federal poverty line, but unable to afford the basic necessities of housing, food, transportation, health-care, child-care, and technology. These members of the state's communities are doing its most critical work by providing the essential services needed for all Iowans. However, they are constantly struggling with impossible choices every day to keep their own households from financial ruin.
"We are so grateful for the GreenState Foundation's investment in this important work," said Deann Cook, president and CEO of United Ways of Iowa. "Since our first ALICE Report for Iowa, United Ways across the state have found the data an invaluable tool to understanding our local communities and their most pressing needs."
Iowa's first United Way ALICE Report for Iowa was released in 2016 and found 27% of Iowans live below the "ALICE Threshold" — the income required to afford basic living expenses in the state. The 2018 report demonstrated that number had increased to 37% in just two years. The opportunity to update the Iowa report twice in the next three years will give policymakers, employers, human service-providers, and other Iowa stakeholders the insight necessary to assess the full effects of COVID and recent economic challenges on Iowa's most vulnerable households.
"We are honored to bring this reporting data to the entire state, as it can truly help move the needle in terms of our humanitarian efforts and where we need to focus more resources," states Tara Wachendorf, President of the GreenState Foundation.
The newest ALICE Report is expected to be available in Spring 2023 and will receive statewide release. The report will show the number of Iowa households living below the ALICE Threshold by state, county, and community. The report provides a breakdown of the costs of the six essential items in every family's budget, the average wages earned by Iowans, the demographics of Iowa's ALICE families, and the consequences for all Iowans when its citizens are unable to thrive.
United Ways of Iowa is the statewide membership association of 24 United Ways serving Iowans. Together, they raise nearly $60 Million annually to strengthen Iowa communities through investments in education, financial stability, health, and crisis services.
The GreenState Foundation was established in 2022 with a mission to improve the well-being of its communities by focusing on financial health and inclusion, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability. For more details or to become a member and gain free access to financial wellness tools, please visit www.greenstatefoundation.org.
