More than half of the population in Allegany County is either struggling or unable to meet basic needs according to a new study from County United Way. The study focuses on data across Maryland and breaks down the economic conditions on a county basis as well. The study looks at the ALICE populations as well as those who are impoverished. ALICE stands for Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed, people who are working typically multiple jobs, and yet are still struggling financially. County United Way Executive Director Juli McCoy says the data is based on information from 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the importance of the ALICE households who are the essential employees who have kept working. McCoy says what shocks her the most is that according to the data from 2016 to 2018 the percentages of ALICE households and those in poverty increased. In the Maryland the average ALICE household is 39% of the population; in Allegany County, 37%, however, the statewide average of poverty is 9% while Allegany County is double that at 18%. McCoy says “To give an idea of who ALICE is, these are the folks who keep our community moving: healthcare workers, grocery employees or first responders. Because we have an economy still employing manufacturing jobs, these workers are also included. COVID has revealed the importance of these workers – they kept us going – the essential workers. But what does that say when those same people can’t afford food, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation or taxes? It says that having a job does not mean financial stability and we are in unprecedented times. While we’re seeking justice for equality, we need to remember that financial stability plays a significant role in getting there.” To see the ALICE study log on to https://www.unitedforalice.org/county-profiles/maryland. To hear the interview click here https://soundcloud.com/amanda-mangan/juli-mccoy-county-united-way-alice-study-for-pht
