Why Advocacy Matters
Creating Opportunities for a Better Life for All
Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive—a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and access to good health. At United Way, we know that advancing the common good is about more than helping individuals—it’s about changing systems to benefit us all. When children succeed in school, families achieve financial stability, and communities are healthier, we all win.
That’s why advocacy is a key part of our mission. Policy change is one of the most effective ways to address the root causes of challenges in our community. By advocating for equitable solutions, we amplify the voices of Mid Michigan residents and ensure that our collective efforts create a lasting, positive impact.
LEND YOUR VOICE
Lend your voice by advocating for issues related to education, income and health in mid-Michigan.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Help spread the word by sharing the work of United Way with your friends, neighbors and coworkers.
DISCOVER YOUR PASSION
Discover your passion by learning about an issue affecting your community that you care about, that you can advocate for change at a local level.
Turning Data Into Action
Our advocacy efforts are driven by real needs in the community. United for ALICE data shows that nearly 50% of Mid Michigan households struggle to afford even the basics—housing, child care, food, transportation, and healthcare. By championing policies that support financial stability, quality education, and access to health services, we work to break down barriers and create pathways to opportunity.
% of Households Below the ALICE Threshold* by County
*Households at the Federal Poverty Level + ALICE = ALICE Threshold
The ALICE Report shows the basic cost of living—determined by measuring the lowest costs of housing, food, health care, childcare, transportation, taxes and technology—is far outpacing household income for more than one in three families in our state. To build an equitable community of stable households where children can thrive, we advocate for policies that ensure an effective safety net for households during times of crisis and provide a path to economic mobility by reducing the financial burden on working families. One way we do this is by advocating for the ALICE threshold to be used to determine eligibility for safety net programs, ensuring households can afford all of their basic needs before vital supports are eliminated.
View ALICE Reports by County
MEET ALICE
I AM YOUR FRIEND. I AM YOUR NEIGHBOR. I HAVE A JOB, MAYBE EVEN TWO. YET MY FAMILY AND I STILL STRUGGLE TO MAKE ENDS MEET.
ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, is a 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 in Gratiot & Isabella Counties, 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. We envision a community where all those who work to keep our local economies running can support themselves and their families.
Lifelines for ALICE®
Childcare
Affordable, quality childcare is essential for working families, yet the cost often exceeds what ALICE households can afford. Without reliable childcare, parents may be forced to reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely. We advocate for increased access to childcare assistance and support initiatives that make early education more affordable, ensuring children receive the care they need while parents maintain financial stability.
Housing
Safe and stable housing is the foundation of financial security, yet for ALICE families, rent and mortgage costs consume a disproportionate share of income. Many are just one unexpected expense away from losing their homes. We support policies that expand access to affordable housing, rental assistance, and homeownership opportunities to ensure families have a secure place to live.
Transportation
Reliable transportation is critical for maintaining employment, accessing childcare, and securing essential services. Yet, for many ALICE households, the cost of vehicle ownership, fuel, insurance, and repairs is overwhelming. We advocate for expanded public transit options, employer transportation programs, and financial assistance for vehicle-related expenses to keep families moving forward.
Food Assistance
No family should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. Yet, many ALICE households struggle with food insecurity, often earning too much to qualify for assistance but not enough to afford healthy meals. We work to strengthen food access programs and advocate for policies that expand eligibility, ensuring families have consistent access to nutritious food.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Give
Your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of hardworking individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Consider making a donation to the ALICE Support Fund or one of our other impact areas.
Volunteer
Whether it’s for an hour, a day, once a week or monthly, you can create tremendous impact in our community by volunteering. Find an opportunity that speaks to you on our volunteer hub.