ALICE represents the people who work every day to keep Southwest Louisiana running — but still don't earn enough to cover the basic cost of living.
They are our coworkers. Our neighbors. The people caring for our children and parents. The people serving our meals, keeping our businesses running and helping our community function.
ALICE is working. ALICE is essential. And ALICE is everywhere.
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WHO IS ALICE?
ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it actually costs to afford the basics where they live.
They often earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance but not enough to comfortably afford:
🏠 Housing
🥕 Food
🚗 Transportation
👶 Child Care
❤️ Health Care
💻 Technology
🧾 Taxes and other basic expenses
THE COST OF GETTING BY
LOUISIANA | 2024
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For a single adullt, the Household Survival Budget translates to approximately $15.35 per hour working full time.
ALICE IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA
Financial hardship doesn't always look like unemployment.
Many ALICE households are working households. In fact, United For ALICE reports that only about 40% of employed Louisianans age 16+ had the security of a salaried, full-time job in 2024. Hourly, part-time and other non-standard work can mean fluctuating income and fewer benefits.
Financial hardship looks different from community to community.
Select your parish to see the latest ALICE data.
WHY WE FOCUS ON ALICE
A job should be a pathway to financial security.
United Way Southwest Louisiana uses ALICE data to understand where working households are struggling and to develop programs, partnerships and investments that address those barriers.
Instead of simply responding when a family reaches a crisis, we want to help families stay out of crisis and build greater financial security.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EMPLOYMENT
Helping people obtain TWIC cards, safety credentials, licenses and certifications needed to qualify for better-paying jobs.
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VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)
Free tax preparation that helps working households keep more of the money they've earned.
THE WRITESTART PROJECT
Helping remove school-related costs that can strain family budgets.
SUMMER IMPACT GRANTS
Helping ALICE families give their children access to educational, athletic, STEM, arts and other summer opportunities.
SET THE TABLE
Providing grocery assistance when working families face an unexpected financial crisis.
COULD YOU BE ALICE?
What does it actually cost to live where you live?
The ALICE Household Survival Budget Calculator lets you select your parish and household composition to see the minimum income needed to afford basic necessities.
BRING ALICE TO YOUR WORKPLACE/ORGANIZATION
ALICE ISN'T JUST DATA. IT'S YOUR WORKFORCE, YOUR CUSTOMERS AND YOUR COMMUNITY.
Want to understand what ALICE looks like in your community?
United Way Southwest Louisiana speakers are available to present ALICE data to:
Businesses • Employee Groups • Civic Organizations • Schools • Churches • Nonprofits • Government Agencies • Community Groups
Presentations can be tailored to your organization, parish or audience.
GO DEEPER WITH UNITED FOR ALICE
Explore the Research Behind the Numbers
United For ALICE provides extensive research and interactive tools to understand financial hardship at the state, parish and community level.
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2026 State of ALICE — Louisiana
Latest statewide findings and trends. -
Parish & Community Data
Explore ALICE by parish, ZIP code and community. -
Household Survival Budget
See what basic necessities actually cost. -
ALICE Data Tools
Explore wages, demographics, legislative districts and other measures.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL STATE REPORT
WHO IS ALICE FLYER
