Supporting Our Community: The ALICE Initiative
At God Inspired Ministry, our mission extends to some of the most vulnerable members of our community in Southwest Louisiana—those identified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These individuals, though employed, face significant challenges in affording basic life necessities. Our ministry is committed to lifting up these hardworking community members who find themselves just one unexpected expense away from financial turmoil.
Understanding ALICE
ALICE represents a growing number of households in our area that, despite income, struggle to cover the cost of living. These are our neighbors who are often employed in critical yet underpaid roles such as healthcare aides, educators, and service industry workers. They earn more than the federal poverty level but not enough to withstand the high costs of housing, healthcare, childcare, and transportation.
- 19% earned below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- 32% were ALICE, in households that earned above the FPL but not enough to afford the basics in the communities where they live
- Together, 51% of households in Louisiana were below the ALICE Threshold (poverty + ALICE divided by total households)
While the COVID-19 pandemic brought employment shifts, health struggles, and school/business closures in 2021, it also spurred unprecedented public assistance through pandemic relief measures. In 2019, 879,488 households in Louisiana were below the ALICE Threshold; by 2021, that number had changed to 902,468.
Understanding ALICE in Our Community
ALICE individuals are employed yet face the harsh reality of financial strain. They include:
- Single parents struggling to cover childcare and housing on limited incomes.
- Elderly workers unable to retire, balancing medical costs with everyday expenses.
- Young workers earning above minimum wage but below the cost of living, hindering their ability to save for the future.
These households are forced to make difficult choices every day, such as deciding whether to pay for food or rent, to cover medical needs or utility bills. Their financial instability is exacerbated by the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and the lack of affordable housing and healthcare.