Standing with ALICE families

At Fred’s Footsteps, we are proud to stand with ALICE families- families that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.

ALICE families fall into a difficult gap. They earn above the federal poverty line, but not enough to afford the basic cost of living in their area, which includes essentials like housing, childcare, transportation, and healthcare. Too often, they make too much to qualify for assistance but too little to get ahead, forcing painful tradeoffs every day just to make ends meet.

ALICE families are our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. They are childcare providers, nursing assistants, delivery drivers, and so many others who keep our communities running.

Pie chart indicates that 82% of families we serve are ALICE families.

How we help

ALICE families often live right on the edge of stability and crisis. One emergency, like a child’s serious illness or injury, can trigger financial crisis due to increased expenses or unpaid time away from work. In turn, this can lead to cascading hardships like eviction, utility shutoffs, and food insecurity.

That’s where Fred’s Footsteps steps in. We provide direct financial assistance through three distinct programs to help families stay afloat while caring for a seriously ill or injured child. Our support ensures ALICE families can take needed time off work to care for their child, or make an extraordinary one-time purchase like a wheelchair accessible van, without falling into financial crisis.

ALICE in Pennsylvania

According to the 2025 ALICE Report for Pennsylvania (PDF), 40% of Pennsylvania households were living below the ALICE Threshold as of 2023. This includes 28% who were ALICE and another 12% living below the Federal Poverty Level.

 

Pie chart shows that 40% of Pennsylvanians live below the ALICE threshold. That includes 28% who are ALICE, and 12% who are in poverty.

The number of ALICE households continues to rise. From 2010–2023, total households rose 7%, but ALICE households grew 17% as costs for essentials like housing continue to outpace wages.

At Fred’s Footsteps, we are working hard to meet the growing need and provide hope, stability, and breathing room for families in their toughest moments – because no parent should ever have to face financial crisis for caring for their sick child.