United Way Suncoast has just released the new ALICE Report. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This report measures how much it costs to live in our community and how many households are struggling, despite being gainfully employed.

44% of Manatee County households live below the survival budget of $47,184 (for a family of 4)/$22,236 (single) and 37% of Sarasota county households live below the survival budget of $45,984 (for a family of 4)/$22,236 (single). The population struggling most is single mother head of households. What can we do to help?

We are so fortunate to live in a region where every day there are people, companies, foundations, and agencies focusing on the tough questions such as affordable housing, quality childcare, and livable wages.

We do not have all the answers, but WRC is a great place for women to start. Imagine if you were living paycheck-to-paycheck, underemployed but unsure of how you are going to get a higher paying job. Imagine if you were going through an emotional rough spot and did not have the resiliency or support system to remind you that ‘this too shall pass’?

Every day, women walk through our doors who are struggling with issues like these, and we are here to help. At WRC, we have staff and volunteers who connect, train, mentor and support our clients on their journey. We are their support system, their tribe and it is all possible because of YOU.