Data from 2022 shows Illinois households continue to face financial
challenges post-pandemic
CHICAGO, June 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty-five percent of
Cook County households live below
the ALICE Threshold or in poverty, according to data reported by
United Way of Metro Chicago and included in the 2024 United for
ALICE report. The report, which is based on the latest data from
2022, shows an increase in ALICE and poverty-level households from
34% in 2019. This latest figure represents 748,776 of Cook County's 2.1 million households that are
struggling financially.
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is a
measurement of how many households earn above the Federal Poverty
Level (FPL) but cannot afford the basic cost of living in their
county. Though ALICE households struggle to make ends meet, they do
not qualify for public assistance and fall behind on measures of
financial health like paying off debt and saving for
retirement.
"The ALICE threshold is a vital guide for letting us know where
our neighbors need help," said Sean
Garrett, President and CEO of United Way of Metro
Chicago. "Through this report and through programs like 211
Metro Chicago, we are hearing firsthand about the challenges people
are facing to meet their needs today and plan for a financially
sound future. As more and more families in our communities struggle
with financial hardship, United Way of Metro Chicago wants to be a
part of the solution by partnering with the City of Chicago and Cook County and supporting the organizations
that are working to combat income inequality to ensure our
neighbors' needs are met."
From 2019 to 2022, the number of households in Cook County living below the ALICE Threshold
increased by 63,813. More Cook
County residents are struggling to afford basic necessities
such as housing, childcare, food, transportation and health care
since the COVID-19 pandemic due in part to inflation, rising costs
and diminished public aid, despite wage increases.
"This data serves as a reminder that there is still a lot
of work to be done in creating true equity across Cook County," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "United Way of Metro
Chicago and 211 Metro Chicago are leading the charge in identifying
where support is needed and directing resources to those
households. We are thrilled to work with them to create positive
change for all our residents."
United Way of Metro Chicago and 211 Metro Chicago work closely
with community partners to ensure residents' needs are met. Since
launching in January 2023, 211 Metro
Chicago has received more than 180,000 requests for health and
social service resources across Cook
County. The top needs fielded by the 24/7 helpline are
housing, utility payment assistance and food.
"2-1-1 contact centers not only collect data on the struggles
that residents go through every day, but we also play a critical
role in directing resources to help," said Richard LaPratt, Executive Director of 211 Metro
Chicago. "Every call, text and web chat we receive tells us
what issues individual households are struggling with and what
patterns are emerging in the community. As we continue to learn
more about our residents' needs, we are able to find partners that
can appropriately support their needs."
To learn more about the work United Way of Metro Chicago is
doing to impact Cook County,
please visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org. For more information on 211
Metro Chicago and their services, please visit 211MetroChicago.org.
To read the 2024 update of ALICE in the Crosscurrents, visit
UnitedforALICE.org.
About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business,
government, philanthropic, individual and community leaders to
deliver funding and resources while amplifying the expertise of
nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic
needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local
priorities and create communities where all people can thrive.
United, we are building a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. Visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org to
learn more.
About 211 Metro Chicago
211 Metro Chicago is a 24/7/365 helpline connecting Cook County residents to health and social
service resources. 211 Metro Chicago is operated by United Way of
Metro Chicago and launched with support from the City of Chicago, Cook County, philanthropic partners and the
211 Metro Chicago Advisory and Executive Boards composed of
business, civic, charitable and social service organizations.
United Way of Metro Chicago mobilizes private, philanthropic and
public sector support to help individuals meet their basic needs
and works to support equitable transformation in neighborhoods
across the Chicago region. Visit
211MetroChicago.org to connect with these resources.
Media Contact
Pablo Rosero
pr@respublicagroup.com
312.755.3579
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SOURCE United Way of Metropolitan Chicago