The United Ways of Tennessee has released a report that reveals well over 3,000 households are under the poverty level in Coffee County with another large block being considered as the working poor.

United Ways of Tennessee launched a statewide data project, ALICE, which provides a comprehensive measure of financial hardship across our state. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

The ALICE reports tell the story of community members who are going to work but are still struggling to survive, through a standardized methodology that assesses the cost of living in every county. ALICE is our neighbors, friends and family who may earn more than the official Federal Poverty Level, but still cannot afford the basic necessities for their family.

ALICE lives in every county in Tennessee. Equipped with this data, the United Ways of Tennessee will convene, advocate and innovate in our local communities to highlight the issues faced by ALICE households, and to generate solutions which help them on their path to financial stability.

Across Tennessee, 47% of households struggle to afford the basic necessities of housing, child care, food, health care and transportation. The number in Coffee County is just below the state average, with 45% below the threshold. The numbers reveal there are 23,097 households in Grundy County with 3,558 of those being under the poverty level. There are 12,882 households above the ALICE threshold meaning there are 45% either in poverty or below the ALICE mark.

The numbers are why United Ways across Tennessee have come together to bring you the ALICE Project. Standing for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed – ALICE represents those in our communities who are working yet still struggling to make ends meet. The ALICE Reports are the most comprehensive depiction of need in Tennessee to date.

The release of their most recent ALICE Report informs the conversation about the real and present needs of our residents. Last year’s report shows the increased cost of living, combined with low wages, reduced work hours, and depleted savings has led to an uneven economic recovery in Tennessee. That’s why Tennessee United Ways remain committed to serving ALICE, and all those in need, through programs that strive to improve the health, education, and financial stability of all Tennessee residents.