Elkins Rotary hears about United Way’s ALICE program
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JoLynn Powers, regional engagement director for the Tygart Valley United Way, addressed the Elkins Rotary Club, explaining the organization's ALICE program.
ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, seeks to identify and assist those in our state who earn above the federal poverty level yet struggle to afford basic expenses such as housing, utilities and food. The program started in New Jersey and now includes a number of states including West Virginia. The main goal of the program is to raise awareness about the huge but hidden segment of our community that struggles to afford basic necessities. Currently, the Benedum Foundation and the High Mark, West Virginia Fund for West Virginia fund the work necessary to identify these metrics in West Virginia.
The population of Randolph County currently stands at approximately 28,000 which is a decrease of 6% since 2010. Fifty-four percent of that population is considered ALICE (19% living below the federal poverty level and 35% above the poverty level but still struggling to make ends meet). "In the five county Tygart Valley region, 15,836 families live either at the poverty line or just barely above the poverty line. That's 48% of all the families who live within these five counties are struggling to feed their families and pay their bills," said Powers. "A lot of families struggle to just survive. Most of these families are struggling to get their electric bill and groceries paid for."
Focusing on Randolph County alone shows a median household income of $51,186 while the benchmark for affording housing, utilities, food, etc., is $73,116, leaving a deficit of nearly $22,000. "Families are suffering, not being able to afford basic amenities," commented Powers. While United Way in Randolph County has in the past focused on those who were living below the federal poverty level, there is a new emphasis on including all of those who fall under ALICE guidelines, mainly because there are a large number of senior citizens and the under-employed who fall into this grouping. "The ALICE family is someone who's getting up an going to work every single day that they're scheduled but are not bringing enough income in to pay their electric bill and make sure their rent is paid," said Powers.
One of goals of the United Way ALICE program is to try and meet the needs of those who fall into the gap between receiving federal aid (those who are below the federal poverty line) and those who do not make the income necessary to meet all of their family needs.
On a personal note, Powers related her experience handing out food during Mountaineer Food Bank distribution at Camp Pioneer. "The first people who came through my line were senior citizens. The next people were women with children and single seniors. The day I handed out food, I handed out 215 boxes to people who were 65 and over in Randolph County. It's our senior citizens who are suffering," commented Powers.
For the working population in West Virginia, 85% of the top 20 jobs in our state pay less than $20 per hour. The general population of Randolph County makes significantly less than the required $73,116 to cover all of their expenses such as housing, insurance, utilities, etc.
All of the ALICE statistics can be found on the Tygart Valley United Way's website. The information for all 55 counties is available on the website as well as individual districts within each county. For example, the Randolph County areas with the least number of individuals living below the ALICE threshold are East Dailey and Valley Bend while the area with the greatest number of individuals living below the ALICE threshold is Beverly.
The ALICE information is available for all to use for many purposes including grant writing, educational purposes and understanding the make-up of the local community. Much more detailed information about ALICE can be found at www.UnitedForAlice.org by clicking on "Go To Full View of Report."
An additional program of the Tygart Valley United Way is the 211 call center. Residents can contact the United Way via this system to get direction and assistance in finding a United Way agency that can be of help with various needs. Last year, the local call center fielded 293 calls, 78 chats and 56 texts for local residents seeking assistance. United Way volunteers also assisted 135 residents in completing and filing their income tax returns.
Tygart Valley United Way will also be hosting "Laugh United, a Night of Comedy and Community" on March 1 at 7 p.m. on the campus of Davis & Elkins College, featuring Elkins native Joshua Jordan. Tickets are $50 per person and include hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased at the organization's website.
More information about all of the programs of Tygart Valley United Way can be found at the organization's website, www.tvunitedway.org or by contacting the Elkins regional office at 304-636-0516
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