We met ALICE today at United Way of North Central New Mexico, and discovered that we already know them! ALICE stands for "Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed" and they are our neighbors, teachers, and essential workers who are struggling to make ends meet. Kiran Gaudioso CEO of United Way of Northern New Jersey and President, United for ALICE gave an excellent introduction. We also heard from Randy Prunty, CEO, United Way of North Central New Mexico; Cathryn Abeyta, Executive Director, San Juan United Way; Amanda Morales, CEO, United Way of Southwest New Mexico; and Will Simmons, a dedicated father and advocate for ALICE in NM.
We learned from Kiran how states across the nation have been supporting ALICE through changes to benefits based on restrictive Federal Poverty Limits (FPL). ALICE are people who don't meet those limits, but who are just one paycheck, one flat tire, one medical bill, one life event away from homelessness and poverty.
It made us proud of our eviction prevention program, where every day we are helping people stay housed and get through tough times on limited incomes - and who have no where else to turn because they don't meet the FPL for benefits. We look forward to staying tuned into New Mexico's momentum toward greater support for ALICE.
