As the pandemic wanes, the number of your neighbors struggling to afford to pay their rent or buy their groceries is growing. A new report based on data from 2021 from United for ALICE shows 52.5 million American families cannot afford the basics. That number includes 16.2 million families living in poverty and an additional 36.3 million families that are considered to be asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed (ALICE). The data shows that a third of the nation’s retail salespeople, which is considered one of the most common occupations in the country, earn an income that does not allow them to adequately support themselves. United Way of Brown County President and CEO Robyn Davis says the effect of the pandemic can certainly be seen in northeast Wisconsin.

United for ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes says now that the ALICE population has a name, more people are becoming understanding of the plight they face.

According to 2018 data, 31 percent of households in Door County are in ALICE and poverty. You can listen to our full conversation by clicking here.