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United Way: nearly half of Randolph County households fall into ALICE threshold; 2022 survival budget shows large shortfalls
Summary
United Way of Randolph County presented ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data showing roughly 49% of local households fall at or below the ALICE threshold and a 2022-based survival budget for a family of four of about $80,000; presenters warned of rising unmet needs and local program cutbacks.
Samantha "Sam" Baker of United Way of Randolph County told commissioners on Nov. 3 that almost half of Randolph County households are at or below the ALICE threshold and many working families struggle to afford basic needs.
"Our number is 49%," Baker said, describing ALICE households as those who "earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance, yet too little to afford basic needs." Baker said a family of four in North Carolina needed "a little over $80,000" in 2022 to meet a household survival budget and that, after cost-of-living adjustments, the figure is likely higher today.
Baker highlighted gaps in the local safety net, citing cuts to key programs: she said the emergency food-and-shelter program lost $150,000 in new money and the county’s domestic-violence support program lost $700,000 in recent funding, and reported that commodity distributions decreased (from 280 pounds/month to 80 in one cited program). She also described 211 as a locally funded and important data source and said United Way will send quarterly 211 reports to the commission.
The presentation noted the practical consequences of the shortfalls — working parents forced to choose between paying rent and affording prescriptions or childcare — and urged commissioners to collaborate with nonprofits to retain local families and reduce strain on emergency systems.
No county appropriation was requested at the meeting; Baker asked that board members "lean on me" and invited further conversations and connections between county government and local nonprofits.
