MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — United Way of Reno County plans to launch a five-year initiative aimed at reducing the percentage of financially vulnerable households in the county by 5%.
Carla Stanfield, the organization’s director of communications and development, said the initiative will be formally announced as United Way begins its annual fundraising campaign in September.
“We’ve decided to put a stake in the ground,” Stanfield said. “Over the next five years, we want to reduce our ALICE percentage here in Reno County by 5%.”
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The designation describes households that earn more than the federal poverty level but not enough to cover basic living expenses.
Stanfield said about 41% of Reno County households are living paycheck to paycheck with little or no savings. Those residents may be one unexpected expense, such as a flat tire or medical emergency, away from financial instability.
“They are making really difficult choices every month, or maybe even every day, about where their finances should be spent,” Stanfield said. “Is that on food and childcare and transportation? Is that on rent and utilities?”
Reaching the five-year goal will require support from donors, businesses, elected officials and other community leaders, Stanfield said. United Way will seek ideas for improving the programs, services and policies that affect ALICE households.
The initiative reflects United Way’s broader focus on health, youth opportunities, financial stability and community resiliency.
United Way of Reno County traces its history to 1936, when local business owners created a community chest to provide a central location for charitable giving. While fundraising remains a major part of its work, Stanfield said the organization also brings community leaders together to address issues such as homelessness, childcare and access to health care.
United Way supports programs offered through well-known partners such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson and the Hutchinson YMCA. Funding also helps provide childcare scholarships through Hadley Day Care, sliding-scale services through Child Care Links, civil legal assistance through Kansas Legal Services and mentoring through Circles Reno County.
The organization also operates Reno Connections, which provides one-on-one assistance through community navigators. Navigators meet with residents, evaluate their needs and connect them with available programs throughout Reno County.
“While we might not be the ones delivering the service or the program to you, we oftentimes know where to go or where to point you,” Stanfield said.
More information about ALICE data and an online household budget calculator are available at UnitedForALICE.org.