United Way of Passaic County: Addressing Community Needs and the ALICE Population

Mission and Services of United Way of Passaic County

• 🎯 The United Way of Passaic County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families thrive by providing youth opportunities and financial stability.
• 🤝 As part of a worldwide network, their mission is to mobilize the caring power of the community to improve lives in Passaic County, with offices in Paterson.
• 💡 Key areas of focus include advancing youth opportunity, financial stability, community resilience, and healthy communities.

Recognized Community Needs

• ⚠️ The primary needs identified are socioeconomic, with wages not keeping pace with the cost of living.
• 📉 Current economic conditions are negatively impacting a population that was already struggling.
• 🏠 The organization highlights the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), where individuals work multiple jobs but still struggle to meet basic needs like rent, groceries, and childcare.

The ALICE Population in Passaic County

• 📊 Approximately 50% of the population is considered ALICE.
• 📈 In municipalities like Paterson and Passaic, this figure rises to about 70%, meaning seven out of ten households struggle to meet basic needs.
• poverty level.

Opportunities for Community Involvement

• 🤝 United Way of Passaic County has partnered with the New York Women's Foundation to launch an affinity group called Women United.
• 💰 By joining Women United or becoming a monthly donor before Monday, October 13th, individuals can unlock a challenge grant.
• 🚀 This initiative aims to invite people to partner with the organization to unlock more resources for the community.