MEDIA ALERT: Even Before the Pandemic, 38% of Families in Connecticut Struggled to Pay for Basic Needs

MEDIA ALERT

New Report: Even Before the Pandemic, 38% of Families in Connecticut Struggled to Pay for Basic Needs

The information in this Media Alert is under embargo until 12:01 AM on Sunday, September 6, 2020

WHAT:

Connecticut United Ways will release a new report on Sunday, September 6, 2020, that looks more closely at financial hardship in Connecticut with the goal of better understanding the trends that are squeezing many in our middle class. Embargoed access to this report for the media will be available on August 31st (details below).

The Connecticut United Ways’ 2020 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report exposes the current economic vulnerability of many Connecticut residents, who, in addition to dealing with longstanding financial challenges, are now also struggling with furloughs, job losses, and an inability to pay bills and provide for their families. The new report outlines proven strategies for moving these families closer to financial security.

The ALICE Report addresses trends impacting ALICE Households, including:

A disproportionately high percentage of Black and Hispanic households live below the ALICE Threshold.
57% of Black households and 63% of Hispanic households in Connecticut live below the ALICE Threshold.
A growing number of households live on the edge of the ALICE Threshold. In Connecticut, 13% of households were on the cusp of the ALICE Threshold, with earnings just above or below it.
Worker vulnerability is increasing while wages stagnate in ALICE jobs.
Many jobs will require an increasing ability to incorporate new technologies, work with data, and make data-based decisions, which means that ALICE workers need more access to upskilling, on-the-job training, and work-based training opportunities, consistent with the direction Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s Workforce Council is taking.
ALICE families are more vulnerable to an emergency because it is becoming more difficult to save and build assets.

WHO:

On the call will be:

Richard J. Porth, CEO, United Way of Connecticut
Paula Gilberto, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
Donna Osuch, President and CPO, United Way of West Central Connecticut
Kim Morgan, CEO, United Way of Western Connecticut

WHEN:

Media will be given advance access to the report on an embargoed basis on Monday, August 31st. The embargo will be lifted at 12:01am on Sunday, September 6th for publication that day. Beginning on Monday, August 31st, you can visit http://alice.ctunitedway.org/press to access an embargoed copy of the Connecticut ALICE Report. The case sensitive password is CTALICE2020.

There will be two statewide conference calls for the media at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 1st and at 10:00am on Wednesday, September 2nd. The call-in number for both calls is 1-800-719-7514 and the access code is 527533.

About Connecticut United Ways

Connecticut United Ways advance the common good by creating opportunities for all, with a particular focus on education, income/financial security, health, and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life. We engage people and organizations throughout our communities who bring passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done, and we invite everyone to be part of the change.

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Statewide Media Contact:

United Way of Connecticut

Annie Scully

860-571-7215