Day 3: Stand Up for Financial Security -
Supporting Stability for ALL
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| At United Way of Bay County, we understand that financial security is key to building strong families and a resilient community. That’s why we’re committed to supporting programs that help individuals overcome challenges, gain independence, and achieve lasting success. | | |
At United Way of Bay County, we talk a lot about ALICE. But who is ALICE?
ALICE stands for Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed. ALICE represents the families in our community who work hard—often more than one job—but still struggle to afford basic needs like housing, child care, food, transportation, and healthcare.
These are our neighbors, friends, and coworkers. They are:
- The single mom working full-time but unable to cover rent and groceries
- The young couple juggling multiple jobs while raising kids
- The senior on a fixed income choosing between medication and utilities
They don’t qualify for many public assistance programs, yet they live paycheck to paycheck—one unexpected expense away from crisis.
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43% of Bay County is
ALICE or below
That means nearly half of our community is walking a financial tightrope every day.
| | | How does United Way help ALICE? | | United Way of Bay County invests in initiatives that directly support ALICE households. Not only do all of our programs apply to ALICE families (Back 2 School, Warm Soles, Bay Arenac Diaper Bank, VITA, etc.) all of our funded partner programs do as well. | | |
In 2025 alone, United Way has assisted our community members with over
$52,816
in financial assistance funds.
| Whether the help was going towards rent, a car repairment, medical bills or more, United Way is there to lend a helping hand, and get you, and your family, back on your feet! | |  | |
United Way of Bay County also has an assistance fund that helps mainly ALICE families and individuals.
When you run into trouble with not being able to pay your utility bills, or get behind on your rent, United Way is able to step in and help cover a portion of the cost.
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Creating Essential Programs to Help
Alleviate Finanical Burdens for ALICE
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Many ALICE families have to choose between getting fresh produce, or skipping for a cheaper, less healthy option. With the average cost of groceries per month for 2 adults, and 2 children in Bay County costing around $1,339, and these families still not getting any kind of governement support, another supplemental program needed to be put in place.
This year, we were able to launch our new Food Assistance program "Food Foward" thanks to funding from the Bay Area Community Foundation, and Hemlock Semi-Conductor.
Food Forward helps working families whose household income is too high to qualify for government assistance programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but still struggle to afford groceries.
| | | This program has helped over 25 Bay County families this year alone, and it would not be possible without the help from our community supporters. | | Other than food, transportation is another huge need for ALICE families and individuals, especially for the senior population. | As well as launching the Food Forward program this year, Ride Forward was also developed, a program that provides safe, reliable transportation for ALICE seniors ages 60 and older, helping them stay independent and connected to essential services. | | | |
ALICE Seniors are able to schedule rides to help get groceries, or go to a medical appointments, completely free, through a referral made by the Bay County Department on Aging.
In Bay County, 51% of the population of seniors who are 65 or older fall within the ALICE threshold.
The average cost of transporation per month for a household with 2 adults who are 65+ is roughly $507.
This program not only allows this population to focus on affording other basic needs, such as food, and health care costs, but it also promotes well-bing, and gives peace of mind to these seniors and their families.
This work would not be possible without the partnership with Griffin Transportation, and community support to help keep this program going!
| | What partner programs do we invest in to obtain financially stablility for our community members? | |
United Way invests in 6 external programs through our community non-profit organizations, including:
- Womens's Economic Empowerment - YWCA of the Great Lakes Bay Region
- HIV Housing Assistance - Sacred Heart Rehabilition Center
- On-The-Job Interview Program - New Dimensions
- Adult Tutoring Program - Literacy Council of Bay County
- Busting Barriers to Employment - Do-All Inc.
- Information and Referrals Support - 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan
| | An Overall Investment of $274,416 in 2025! | United Way of Bay County is working every day to provide assistance to a population of working families and individuals who just need an extra boost to get by! | | Your Support Fuels Our Work! | | |
Whether you give, advocate, or volunteer, your support helps us create a thriving
community where everyone has the opportunity to live well!
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LIVE UNITED
STAND UP FOR BAY COUNTY.
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