Benefits of supporting ALICE families would create transformational change in Marquette County – A new report released this week by the Michigan Association of United Ways, in collaboration with United For ALICE, reveals that 41% of households in Marquette County live below the ALICE Threshold – struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology. “These are our neighbors, our coworkers, and often, our essential workers—people doing everything right, yet still not earning enough to achieve stability,” said Andrew Rickauer, Executive Director of United Way of Marquette County. “They live paycheck to paycheck, often one unexpected expense away from crisis, but earn too much to qualify for most public assistance programs. In Marquette County, we see this struggle every day—it’s a financial gray zone that too many families are stuck in.”
In Marquette County, the financial strain on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families is especially acute. These households face impossible choices—delaying medical care to pay rent, skipping meals so their children can eat, or missing work because they can’t afford child care. These are not rare occurrences—they are the daily reality for more than 2 in 5 households in the county. Community members are invited to a public release and discussion of the ALICE Report on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at MARESA (Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency) at noon. This event will bring together local leaders,
service providers, and residents to explore the findings and collaborate on solutions to support ALICE families in Marquette County.
“The updated ALICE report is a powerful reminder of the financial pressures facing working families right here in Marquette County,” said Rickauer. “At United Way of Marquette County, we’re committed to supporting ALICE households not just with resources, but with compassion and community-driven solutions. This report reinforces why we must continue building inclusive systems that reflect the real-life needs of our neighbors.”
Supporting ALICE families in Marquette County would lead to transformational change, including:
• Boosting the Local Economy: Increased spending power among ALICE households supports local businesses and job creation.
• Creating Healthier Communities: Financial stability enables access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe
housing.
• Strengthening Education Outcomes: When families can afford school supplies and extracurriculars, children thrive.
• Forming Stronger Community Bonds: Financial security allows families to engage in civic life and community initiatives.
• Breaking the Cycle of Hardship: Helping ALICE families today reduces the risk of generational poverty tomorrow.
In 2023, a family of four in Marquette County needed $74,566 to cover the essentials. Yet, even with both parents working full time in common occupations like personal care aide and stock clerk, their combined income fell short by $8,446. “We can’t build a stronger Marquette County without addressing the needs of the families working hardest to hold it together,” Rickauer said. “This is not just an economic issue—it’s a moral one.”
As state policymakers debate the budget, programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and the expanded Child Tax Credit are at risk of cuts—changes that would disproportionately impact ALICE families in Marquette County. The Michigan Association of United Ways urges leaders across sectors to come together to protect and expand these vital supports.
“Every Michigander deserves the opportunity to lead a life that is healthy, safe and grants them and their families peace of mind,” said Cathy Wilson, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The ALICE Report provides the critical data and information Michigan’s policymakers and organizations need to support these individuals.”
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The United Way of Marquette County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization utilizing community collaborations to provide health, education, and social service needs to area residents. More than 21,000 individuals were helped by United Way of Marquette County partner agencies last year—- that is 1 out of every 3 Marquette County residents. For more information, or to donate to the United Way, visit uwmqt.org.
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