United Way NSV Rallies Support for 40 Families During 6th Annual ALICE Awareness Week

Community Unites to Address Challenges of Asset Limited, Income Constrained Families in Northern Shenandoah Valley.

The United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley (UWNSV) gears up for a pivotal event as the crisp autumn air sets over Winchester, VA. From November 12th to 19th, the 6th annual ALICE Awareness Week aims to shine a light on a critical issue facing our community: the struggles of ALICE families – those Asset Limited, Income Constrained, yet Employed. Our neighbors, coworkers, and friends make up a staggering 41% of Virginia residents and nearly half of Winchester’s population.

The ALICE statistic, a revealing measure of financial hardship, has seen an alarming rise recently, exacerbated by the recession, spiraling inflation, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. United Way’s response? A robust campaign to raise $20,000 for the ALICE Emergency Fund, targeting to extend a lifeline to 40 families grappling with financial crises.

Kaycee Childress, President and CEO of UWNSV, notes the escalating demand for assistance, especially amidst rising living costs and shrinking support like the cuts to SNAP benefits. “These are hard-working individuals striving to provide for their families, and our aim is to offer a helping hand when they need it most,” Childress emphasizes.

Launched in 2018, the ALICE Emergency Fund has been a beacon of hope, distributing over $30,000 to assist 63 families to date. The fund, capped at $500 per family, addresses diverse emergencies – from transportation hurdles to housing, childcare, and medical costs. It’s a testament to the community’s spirit, stepping in when no other resources are available.

The upcoming week is packed with initiatives. A Community Forum on ALICE Challenges and Solutions is slated for November 15th, offering a platform for dialogue and ideas. Notable panelists will converge to discuss the multifaceted challenges and brainstorm on sustainable support mechanisms for these vital community members.

Adding a personal touch, a series of “I am ALICE” videos will be released, depicting real-life stories of those affected, underlining the message that ALICE could be anyone in our midst.

In a collaborative effort, United Way NSV and Navy Federal Credit Union are hosting budgeting and financial management sessions on November 16th. This includes one-on-one sessions with financial counselors, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy.

Women United, a local arm of United Way, is also stepping in with a unique “dining-for-dollars” event at TGI Friday’s on November 17th, directing a part of the evening’s revenue to the ALICE Emergency Fund.

As the ALICE Awareness Week approaches, it’s a reminder of the shared responsibility we hold towards our community members in need. The United Way NSV’s initiative isn’t just about financial aid; it’s about nurturing resilience, fostering hope, and reinforcing the bonds that unite us as a community. This is a call to action, an invitation to be part of a collective effort to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.

For more information on ALICE, the ALICE Emergency Fund, and ALICE Awareness Week events, please visit www.unitedwaynsv.org/aliceawareness. You can also learn more about the ALICE population by visiting www.unitedforalice.org/state-overview/Virginia.

About United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley: Since 1946, the United Way NSV has led the fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community – to meet the needs that matter most to the people of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties, as well as the City of Winchester. United Way NSV convenes the people and organizations necessary to create solutions to our region’s most pressing challenges and collaborates with effective partners. United Way NSV seeks to serve as the catalyst for community change by supporting over 45 partner agencies in the area on income, health, and education. For more information, visit our website www.unitedwaynsv.org.