“This report provides the first look at the extent of financial hardships in Michigan since the Covid 19 pandemic began.”
Michigan Association of United Ways president Hassan Hammond says their new ALICE report
“ALICE stands for asset limited income constraint employed.”
Concludes the income in 41% of Michigan households, 26% in Kent County, is above the federal poverty level but below the cost of living.
“Struggles to make ends meet and afford basic household necessities.”
And Hammond says it is not because people don’t have jobs.
“Of the 20 most common occupations in Michigan in 2021, 70 % paid less than 20 dollars an hour.”
Hammond says the United Ways provide some assistance to households living paycheck to paycheck. And state Deputy Director for Prosperity Kim Trent say there is a Michigan poverty task force helping people.
“Michiganders should not have to struggle to afford basic necessities like housing childcare food and health care.”
“The ALICE report is a critical tool for providing the data and information for policy makers in Michigan to make informed decisions.” (Hammond)
