” If you are not familiar with What We mean by “Poverty”?
The experience of poverty in New Jersey encompasses a broad spectrum of individuals and families facing an economic struggle. The spectrum includes people with very low incomes facing dire deprivation and daily sacrifices. It also includes many among the working poor, who are often ignored by official poverty statistics but who nevertheless experience real and harmful economic challenges.
Thanks to the United Way of Northern New Jersey and its “United for ALICE” program the working poor will now be recognized. ALICE also represents the data reshaping the dialogue on financial hardship, and a grassroots movement that is picking up steam across half of U.S. states – and counting.
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) may be a relative or friend. You may be ALICE. As cashiers, waiters, child care providers, and other members of our essential workforce, ALICE earns just above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to make ends meet. These struggling households are forced to make impossible choices each day. While such hardship is pervasive, households of color are disproportionately ALICE.
I Understand that poverty is a complex and systemic problem and there is no one-size-fits-all solution or one organization. At a minimum, our statewide effort to prevent, reduce, and end poverty by increasing opportunities that reduce those challenges by promoting more social systems to help them.
Nonprofits working together to eliminate poverty is a hard task to go at alone. Join the Diaper Movement or assist with ALICE!! Any way you look at it, Its a WIN for Essex County residents.