LANCASTER, S.C. — A newly released study by the United Way seeks to shine a light on those above the federal poverty line, but still not able to afford basic needs despite working one or more jobs.
The study focuses on what it calls asset-limited, income-constrained, employed individuals, or ALICE. These individuals are employed with wages above the poverty level, but below what's needed to take care of basic needs and often just one emergency away from slipping further into financial instability, according to the United Way.
“We've probably had already this month like, maybe, 10 calls for people that have been requesting emergency housing," Holly Furr, Executive Director of United Way of Lancaster County, said.
U.S. Census data shows there are nearly 38 million Americans living in poverty, but for those who are just above that line, the nonprofit says their stories often go untold.
The report shows 43 percent of South Carolina families work hard, but never seem to get ahead with 24% of Lancaster County households qualifying as ALICE households.
The study comes at a time when Furr said wages aren't rising at the rate of the cost of living.
"It's about being able to afford all of your expenses that you have, even when you are working," Furr said. "Sometimes, it's just too much.”
La'Queisha Brevard lives in Lancaster and said she lost her job after having medical complications from a car crash. Now, she's not sure how she'll make ends meet, as the cost of rent rises.
“A lot of these jobs are wanting to pay you $15 an hour, which is not enough to even live off of and take care of your children," Brevard said. "You know, the waiting list for public housing is four years. What am I to do between now and four years?”
The United Way and organizations like HOPE in Lancaster offer some emergency services, but it's often not enough to meet the needs.
They're hoping to use the data to expand their reach to more of those struggling to stay afloat.
They're offering two free educational "poverty simulations" on Monday, Nov. 13, and on Saturday, Nov. 17 as part of a week of hunger and homelessness awareness events. Preregistration is required and can be accessed by clicking the links below, calling 803-283-8923, or emailing admin@uwaylcsc.org.
- Monday, November 13th- Main Branch of Lancaster County Library, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
- Monday, November 13th- Main Branch of Lancaster County Library, 1:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 17- Carole Ray Dowling Center at USCL, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.