Who is ALICE?
ALICE stands for asset limited, income constrained, and employed. Households that fall under ALICE face different levels of financial strain and access to essential resources that make it difficult to afford basic necessities, despite being employed and hard-working. These households face hard choices such as putting food on the table or paying the light bill every single day.
Local Insights
The latest United for ALICE data provides a clearer picture of financial hardship across the Greater Chattanooga region.
Hamilton County Highlights:
• Cost of living for a family of four with two children in child care rose by $8,200 in just one year.
• Households in poverty rose by 2%.
• Nearly 11,000 households with children are below the ALICE threshold — a 15% increase in just one year.
• Altogether, 44% of Tennessee households fall below the ALICE threshold, including 14% in poverty.
What’s the research?
Since first investing in the ALICE research several years ago, we have relied on this extensive body of work to help guide our community investments, programs, and advocacy work. By sharing our research publicly, we hope our community partners will reference the ALICE reports for their own decision-making that impacts working families every day.
2025 Reports:
Community Action
Looking to learn more or further your involvement? We have opportunities for education, advocacy, and involvement for you.
ALICE@Work
This 3-day comprehensive cohort program equips people leaders with the tools and data they need to better support employees facing financial hardship. Fill out our interest form today!
ALICE Simulation
This highly customizable, empathy building tool will walk you through an ‘impossible choices’ exercise. Learn what decisions families in financial hardship are having to make every day.
United for Working Families
Our United for Working Families initiative began in 2023 to educate employers and advocate for family-friendly workplaces. When we support working families, we uplift our entire community. Learn more today!
ALICE Simulation
There are individuals and families all around us who are trying to make ends meet as they balance money and stress. These families and individuals experience this cycle in drastically different ways. Could you survive a month in their shoes?
ALICE: Children in Focus
The recent ALICE: Children in Focus Tennessee Report reveals that 53% of children in Tennessee are below the ALICE threshold, with many families facing challenges like high rent burdens and limited access to high-speed internet. Financial hardship is particularly high for infants and preschoolers, with over half of children in Hamilton County impacted. This data highlights the need for targeted support to improve living conditions and resources for Tennessee families.
United for ALICE
United For ALICE is a driver of innovation, research, and action to improve life across the country. Their work raises awareness about a huge but hidden segment of our community that is struggling to afford basic necessities. The success of a community is directly related to the financial stability of its members. See their plethora of resources at unitedforalice.org.