ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, is a new way of defining and understanding the struggles of households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford a bare-bones household budget.

For far too many families, the cost of living outpaces what they earn. These households struggle to manage even their most basic needs - housing, food, transportation, child care, health care, and necessary technology.

When funds run short, cash-strapped households are forced to make impossible choices, such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent, filling a prescription or fixing the car. These short-term decisions have long-term consequences not only for ALICE families, but for all of us.

Data from 2014 - 2018 show that while the number of Wethersfield households remains relatively constant, the number of ALICE families is rising.  As more families fall into this category, additional family expenses such as preschool will be harder to afford.  Additionally, families may delay or forego prenatal care.  Finally, more families may qualify for and seek out town resources such as the food pantry and other services.