United Way of York County is on a mission to assist working households in our community on their journey to financial stability by collaboratively and equitably reducing barriers to prosperity. In 2024, we took significant steps to ensure our work was meeting the needs of the community by hosting a series of focus groups with individuals who fall into the gap between poverty and stability. This group, identified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), represents 25% of York County.
We conducted six focus groups in 2024 across various locations, including Hanover, Seven Valleys, the City of York, Dillsburg, and Shrewsbury. These sessions were offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole to accommodate participants from diverse backgrounds.
To create a welcoming and supportive environment, we provided dinner, allowed children to attend, and compensated participants for their time. Our overarching goal was to create a safe space where participants could comfortably share their stories, ultimately helping us identify ways the community can better support ALICE households.
Key themes emerged from these conversations, highlighting the challenges faced by ALICE in our community:
- Housing Instability for an Aging Population: Older adults face significant challenges related to housing affordability, maintenance, and accessibility. Rising costs and limited mobility options leave many concerned about their ability to remain in their homes.
- Lack of Access to Reliable Healthcare and Social Services: The pandemic has exacerbated issues with healthcare access and social isolation. Increased reliance on home-based hospice care and heightened loneliness reflects broader disruptions in health and social support systems.
- Unaffordable Childcare or Childcare That Doesn't Accommodate Work Schedules: Parents struggle with inadequate and costly childcare options, which impacts their ability to work. Mismatched work schedules and the high cost of childcare add to their financial and logistical burdens.
- Transportation and Resource Inaccessibility: Limited public transportation and difficulty accessing essential services, such as medical care and grocery stores, are major concerns. These challenges are particularly acute in rural areas, where alternative options are scarce.
- Financial Instability and Resource Gaps: Rising living costs, rent increases, and financial instability contribute to significant stress for ALICE households. There is a critical need for more effective community and government support systems to address these economic pressures and provide timely assistance.
Conclusion
The findings from these focus groups highlight the pressing need for targeted strategies and collaborative efforts across the community to address the challenges that ALICE households face. By listening to their experiences, United Way of York County can better align its resources and initiatives to bridge the gap between poverty and financial stability.
Looking ahead, we are dedicated to driving change through advocacy for policy reforms, expanding access to critical services, and building partnerships that promote equitable solutions. To learn more about how we’re already acting on these insights, visit our 2025 Impact Agenda.
We also recognize the importance of staying connected to ALICE households to ensure our work remains responsive and impactful. In 2025, we will continue hosting focus groups to gather insights and guide our initiatives. If you are interested in hosting one of these groups, please contact Samira Sankaran, Impact Associate, at ssankaran@unitedway-york.org.
Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive York County where every household has the opportunity to thrive.