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.

 

 I WANT to…

01.

Submit an application to the United Way ALICE Support Fund to get help.

The ALICE Support Fund is currently not accepting applications. To find other available services, please visit mi211.org, or call 2-1-1. 

02.

Support ALICE families in Gratiot & Isabella Counties.

FAQs

  • Gratiot & Isabella county residents in need of rent, mortgage, or utility assistance.

  • • Must complete and submit an ALICE application

    • Must meet income requirements

    • Unable to qualify for other assistance programs such as State Emergency Relief (DHHS)

    • Have received a denial for assistance letter from DHHS and/or EightCAP, Inc.

    • Must be able to demonstrate a proactive effort in managing their financial obligations (provide evidence showing regular payments)

  • This is a one-time assistance only program.

Statement of Financial Responsibility

The ALICE Support Fund was established to provide emergency assistance when funds run short for working households. To qualify for assistance from the ALICE Support Fund, applicants are required to demonstrate a proactive effort in managing their financial obligations. Specifically, we require that applicants show evidence of consistently making regular payments toward their rent and utilities. This demonstrates a commitment to maintaining financial responsibility and ensures that the assistance we provide is going to those who are making genuine efforts to manage their financial situation effectively.

Applicants must provide documentation, such as payment receipts or account statements, that reflect a history of timely payments. This will help us assess your current need and ensure that the support is allocated to those who have been actively working to sustain their financial commitments.

By upholding this requirement, we aim to support individuals and families who are making diligent efforts to maintain their financial stability and navigate through challenging times.