MEET A.L.I.C.E.

A Month in the Life of an ALICE Family in Gordon County

Meet Maria. (Name changed, but the story reflects real situations faced by many families in our community.)

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Maria is a single mother with three children. She works full-time and takes pride in providing for her family. She owns a car, pays her bills, and does everything she can to stay ahead.

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But each month is a balancing act.

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Her largest expense is housing. After that come groceries, utilities, gas, insurance, and childcare during the school year. There is very little left at the end of the month—sometimes nothing at all.

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One week, her car needs repairs. Without transportation, she cannot get to work. She uses a credit card to cover the cost, knowing it will take months to pay off.

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The following month, her child needs a doctor’s visit and medication. Insurance helps, but the co-pay still stretches her budget. She delays paying another bill to make it work.

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By summer, childcare costs drop because she is home more, but food and utility bills increase. Every month requires new decisions about what to pay first and what to wait on.

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Maria is not unemployed.

She is not irresponsible.

She is not alone.

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She is ALICE.

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Families like Maria’s are working hard, contributing to our local economy, and doing their best to provide stable homes for their children. Yet one unexpected expense—a car repair, medical bill, or reduction in work hours—can quickly push them into crisis.