Included in that number are working families that earn more than the federal poverty limit, making them ineligible for government assistance like food stamps. Without that safety net, it is nearly impossible for these families to overcome their circumstances, putting them at increased risk for even more severe hardships like homelessness.
We call these families Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE), and they make up 27% of households in Erie County. They are a huge but hidden segment of our community that is suffering.
Even though both parents work full time, their combined annual income is only $57,261. That’s $10,503 short of the household survival budget.
The Harrisons’ low wages relative to the high cost of living in Buffalo and Erie County mean that even a small hiccup or surprise expenditure can have tremendous repercussions on their financial security and wellbeing and, by extension, the community.
Child care in Erie County is as expensive as college. The estimated cost of infant day care is $12,792 per year. And that’s just one household expense.
When Mason suffered from a frightening seizure due to a severe ear infection, Jamie and Marcus had to call an ambulance for emergency medical treatment. Even with health insurance, the costs were enormous, and Jamie lost two days’ pay as her son recovered. To settle the bills, the Harrisons used what little money they had been saving for a car—and then some—and still can’t afford to pay off the debt. Now, Jamie and Marcus are worried they won’t make rent this month.
To help struggling families like the Harrisons meet their economic, social, and health requirements and overcome their circumstances, United Way: Families surrounds and supports them with an action network of community services. Together, we make an impact by empowering families.
To help struggling families like the Harrisons meet their economic, social, and health requirements and overcome their circumstances, United Way: Families surrounds and supports them with an action network of community services. Together, we make an impact by empowering families.
“United Way: Families helped us set up an IDA account with matching funds to save for our first car and linked us with a tax preparer who figured out we qualify for a big refund this year. Now, I’m starting to breathe a little easier.”
– Jamie Harrison
In helping Buffalo and Erie County families like the Harrisons stabilize their financial foundation, United Way: Families contributes to incremental and increasing returns to the health, welfare and economy of our community. As an initiative of United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, United Way: Families is able to leverage the networks and operational efficiencies that have long made the United Way a trusted community partner. The results are impactful:
And that's just some of what we do!
Your support of United Way: Families is an investment in the community. A one-time or recurring gift of any amount promises to dramatically influence the quality of life of thousands of men, women, and children that call Buffalo and Erie County home.
provides free tax prep services to 8 families
provides high-quality kindergarten preparation and day care for 12 children.
provides 10 hours of tutoring to 25 schoolkids.
provides 6 field trips for 12 senior citizens to improve socialization.
provides 1 day of financial literacy education to 150 ALICE heads of household.
In return, individuals supported by United Way: Families lead happier, healthier lives and are better positioned to break the cycle of financial hardship and reach their fullest potential.
By extension, the quality of life and economic vitality of our community rises.
United Way: Families funds local programs that create change in our community. Your donation will be allocated to Western New York organizations and services that work every day to empower ALICE families to overcome their financial hardships.
Just as an investment club researches and analyzes earnings growth, profits, sales, and dividend payments to determine stock purchases, United Way: Families examines local need, service gaps, and operational practices to allocate donated funds for maximum impact. By pooling our resources, we are able to make bigger, smarter investments that have a critical impact on our neighbors and community.
United Way, like every other for-profit and nonprofit organization, has expenses associated with its operations. For our fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, these expenses amounted to 11.7% of our revenue, which includes pledges to the annual campaign. Thank you for entrusting the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County with your charitable dollars. We are grateful for your generosity will continue to uphold the highest standards of stewardship as we work to improve quality of life in Erie County.
The United Way of Buffalo & Erie County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As such, contributions to United Way: Families are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Glad you asked! Advocating for United Way: Families on social media by sharing our messages and stories of impact is a great way to start. We are also always looking for volunteers to organize fun and impactful fundraising team challenges in their workplaces or among their friends and family. To learn more about team challenges, click here.
