ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – but behind that acronym are real people you probably see every day. They’re the teacher at your child’s day care center, the aide who cares for your aging parent, the cashier who rings up your groceries, and the server who brings your coffee. They work full-time jobs that keep our community running, yet they’re living one car repair or medical bill away from falling behind.
Right here in Menard and Sangamon counties, 31,875 households are making too little to afford what it actually costs to live in central Illinois. These families are making too much to qualify for most assistance programs but not enough to cover rent, utilities, food, transportation, health care and child care without constantly struggling.
Think about what that means: a working parent choosing between fixing their car or paying the electric bill. A home health aide skipping meals to make sure their kids eat. These aren’t isolated stories- this is the daily reality for thousands of our neighbors.
At United Way of Central Illinois, we see these families not as statistics, but as people who deserve stability. Through our work in community resiliency, financial security, youth opportunity and healthy communities, we invest in programs that fill the gaps traditional assistance can’t reach. Just this year, our 211 service has already connected 6,331 people in Sangamon and Menard counties to housing support, utility assistance, food resources and other critical help.
When we lift up ALICE families, we lift up everyone. Because a community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members.
If you or someone you know is an ALICE household facing an urgent crisis, the ALICE Emergency Fund may be available. Pre-screening is required. Call the Housing Helpline at 217-803-5235 to learn more.
Megan Reynolds is director of marketing and communications at United Way of Central Illinois.
This article appears in February 12-18, 2026.
