In the recent article from the Northern Express, Kierstin Gunsberg explores the challenges faced by ALICE families during the winter months in northern Michigan. ALICE families, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, include working adults who earn above the federal poverty level but struggle to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and childcare. In northern Michigan, ALICE families make up 38 percent of the population, highlighting the prevalence of financial struggles in the region.
Winter can be a magical time for kids with sledding adventures and snowball fights, but for many parents, it means juggling heating bills, buying new winter gear, and stocking up on cold medicine. These additional costs can be a real struggle for ALICE families where every dollar is stretched thin. National statistics show that over 40 percent of households fall into the ALICE category, illustrating the widespread nature of financial hardships across the country.
The article also highlights the efforts of organizations like United Way of Northwest Michigan in helping ALICE families cope with the challenges they face. By shedding light on the experiences of growing up under the ALICE designation in northern Michigan, the Northern Express aims to raise awareness and encourage support for these families in need. The Northern Express is available online and in print at over 650 locations across 13 counties in northern Michigan.
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