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This month, we’re reflecting on a year of change: rising prices, an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit, greater investment in early childhood education and the loss of key federal benefits.
Through the stories of resilience below, you can rest assured that United Way of Connecticut is committed to helping every resident thrive.
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Together, Connecticut United Ways are working to make our state a place where economic well-being is a right, not a privilege. That is why we advocate with and for ALICE families – the growing number of Connecticut families who are living paycheck-to-paycheck despite working hard at the jobs available to them.
When 2 out of every 5 households in Connecticut can’t afford the basics, it’s not just a personal struggle: it’s proof that there are cracks in the foundation of our economy and community. These 580,520 ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) are working hard but still can’t afford essentials like housing, child care, food, transportation and health care.
Here are stories about their struggles, successes and the ways we advocate to improve their lives:
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MELINDA LONGTIN
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Mom
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Melinda is married and was working as an LMSW when she welcomed her baby daughter to their family. That’s when everything changed:
“My husband and I waited until we were sure we would be economically stable to start a family. Our plan was that my husband would work virtually while also watching the baby, while I would continue to work full time as a social worker, helping others navigate mental health crises and associated economic resource needs.
Summer arrived. Nothing went as we had planned. My husband’s job requirements changed, and he would no longer be able to watch our daughter. When I calculated childcare costs versus my salary, I realized I would not be able to return to work and afford care for my baby. I had no choice but to quit, meaning I would both lose my income and not qualify for government financial assistance programs.
It has been difficult to find jobs that pay enough, given my child care needs, but I also struggle to pay my bills now. Having a child should not destroy a family's ability to pay for basic necessities. The truth is, no amount of external support can perform the function that the Child Tax Credit can: direct cash to pay for my child’s needs.
To read more about Melinda, click here.
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Despite receiving bipartisan support from more than 100 legislators and passage out of the Finance Committee, the CT Child Tax Credit (CTC) was excluded from the state budget, leaving low- and middle-income families still scrambling to afford the growing cost of living.
Funding was also eliminated to provide no-cost school meals to students who have greatly benefited from this nutritional assistance every day for several years.
The good news: an additional $250 was approved for households with children who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), providing these families with a critical boost to their tax refund this coming year.
Jessica, a single mom, reflects on some of these wins and losses from this past year’s legislative session:
| | JESSICA CHUBBUCK
Program Specialist, Kuhn Employment Opportunities
ALICE Advocate | | |
“Personally, I would have used the proposed CT Child Tax Credit money for summer camp. The camp my son is registered for is $190 per week. The Child Tax Credit could have helped us out a great deal, and perhaps he could have attended for an additional week.
Unfortunately, this past year we did not qualify for reduced-price school meals – my salary is now too high. For the most part we packed lunch and snacks from home.
I am thankful for the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that will be provided to me during tax time. The additional $250 will go towards my credit card payment this year, which is most likely what I will continue to use it towards in the future.
Finally, the early childhood education investment will be amazing for families with young children. It’s definitely something that I would have appreciated as a single mother trying to make ends meet. I’m forever grateful that my son was chosen via a lottery system for all day pre-K 3 and 4, which was free through the public school system in Wallingford. Everyone deserves affordable child care.”
To read more about Jessica, click here.
| | Speaking of the new EITC and filing taxes, Samantha shares her first experience filing her taxes for free with the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in January 2024. | | |
SAMANTHA ROSADO
Aspiring Nurse
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“I received a notice in the mail from the IRS that I was behind in filing my taxes, and I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I was worried that I owed money to the IRS. Then, I found out about a free tax preparation day at the Silas Bronson Library in Waterbury and made an appointment to have my taxes done.
They took great care of me and told me that I would be getting a refund. They even made me aware of additional documents that I could obtain to get even more money back.
| | To read more about Samantha, click here. | | |
It’s no surprise that Connecticut youth who grow up in ALICE households also tend to struggle. In fact, more than 100,000 young people in Connecticut aged 14 to 26 are struggling to find their paths. Many face hardships at home, challenges in school and barriers to stable work, leaving them feeling stuck, alone and disconnected.
Click on the documentary video below to learn what that struggle looks like — and how the right support can change everything:
| | When we talk about perseverance and resilience, it’s important that we share about the incredible work 211 CT does to help people in need, whether it’s food, shelter, energy assistance or support working through mental health challenges. | | |
SARAH BOURNÉ
211 Contact Center Supervisor
United Way of Connecticut
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It’s three o’clock in the morning, and a high-risk call comes into 211 from someone who has the plans, means and intent to die by suicide.
Sarah, a Crisis Supervisor, spends four hours on the phone with the caller, assessing needs and providing critical resources and when the call gets dropped multiple times, she fights to reconnect, continuing to call back. “I struggle with letting it go,” she says.
These high-risk calls are not uncommon on third shift. But Sarah has the expertise and training she needs to respond – she has more than 25 years’ experience working with individuals with substance use disorders and severe mental illness, and she thrives working in a demanding environment.
To read more about Sarah, click here.
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ANN DAGLE
Co-Founder and President
Brian Dagle Foundation
Brian’s Healing Hearts Center for Hope and Healing, Niantic
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Ann Dagle is a loss survivor. She lost her son Brian to suicide in 2011.
“In 2011, my life as a mom of three boys, with very different personalities and who were transitioning into young men, was far from perfect. But one thing was sure: they all knew how much they were loved by their parents, their large extended family and so many friends.
I think this was especially true for Brian, the youngest of the three. His charismatic personality, sparkling blues eyes and sensitive soul melted many hearts.
Brian lost his life to suicide in November of his sophomore year at Castleton University in Vermont. I equate Brian’s death to a tsunami that hit my family, friends and anyone who was blessed to have known him. Everyone questioned, ‘How could something like this happen to a family that seemed to be so loving and connected to community?’”
To read more about Ann and Brian, click here.
| | United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has provided Suicide and Crisis Lifeline support to residents of our state for more than 40 years. The launch of the national three-digit 988 dialing code in 2022 offered an additional opportunity to expand access and awareness of this important service. This past year, the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board launched a suicide prevention video campaign called It’s OK to Talk About Suicide. | | You can watch all the stories in the campaign here. | |
211 CT does more than provide mental health support. Our basic needs hotline connects callers to more than 40,000 programs and services provided by 4,000+ partner agencies . As one user states, “Correct, updated information is everything – having access to the 211 website on my phone or computer is critical for me and others who live fast-paced lives.”
This fall, the hotline was uncharacteristically busy during the SNAP crisis.
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As one user states, “Correct, updated information is everything – having access to the 211 website on my phone or computer is critical for me and others who live fast-paced lives.”
This fall, the hotline was uncharacteristically busy during the SNAP crisis.
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When Tammy heard about the government shutdown and that SNAP benefits wouldn’t be available in November, “I was really nervous. I only had $5 left on my EBT card and was running out of food already. I forced myself to go to a food bank near me. I try not to go unless I absolutely need it because I know that others are struggling, too. I ended up being the tenth person in line, but after me the lines were really long. I was lucky to get the food that I needed. I was just hoping and praying that the government would open up.”
To read more about Tammy, click here.
| | EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2026 | | *Please note that we will not discuss individual tax filing. This virtual session is designed to inform organizations and municipalities about the options available to help the people they serve file their taxes securely and confidentially. | | |
ALICE and Tax Filing: Key Updates for Organizations Serving Connecticut
Wednesday, January 14
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Join United Way of Connecticut and our partners for a one-hour virtual session about what ALICE households need to know for the upcoming tax season. Tax experts and providers will provide a high-level review of the tax code changes that are most important to low-and-moderate- income households and the safe, accurate and FREE tax filing options for people to maximize their refund.
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An Affordable Future for Connecticut Families: A Child Tax Credit Forum
Wednesday, January 21
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Legislative Office Building, 1D
At this forum we will bring together community members, subject matter and relevant policy experts and legislative leaders to examine the critical role that establishing a state-level Child Tax Credit (CTC) plays in advancing child and family economic mobility in Connecticut.
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211 Day at the Capitol: Celebrating 50 Years of Answering Your Call
Wednesday, February 11
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
The Capitol, Hartford
Join us for 211 Day at the Capitol, where ALICE families, 211 contact center specialists and community partners will stand together to highlight the vital role 211 plays in our communities.
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Coldest Night of the Year
Saturday, February 28
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
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Each February, thousands of people across the country step outside their comfort zones to show compassion and solidarity with those who are struggling to survive in the cold.
Please join us for this year’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY, a family-friendly winter walk that raises vital funds for the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) and Community Renewal Team (CRT) – two local organizations serving people experiencing homelessness, hunger and hardship.
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