Over 40% of TN households struggle affording basic needs, new report says

JACKSON, Tenn. — A new report reveals 44% of Tennessee households struggle to afford basic needs.

COURTESY: United Ways of Tennessee

The report, released Monday, by United Ways of Tennessee, in partnership with United For ALICE, reveals a sobering reality: 44% of Tennessee’s 2.85 million households cannot afford the basics of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care and technology.

COURTESY: United Ways of Tennessee

This includes 14% of households living in poverty and another 30% classified as ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE families are working, sometimes multiple jobs, but still cannot afford the cost of living in their communities.

“ALICE is a little more clear, and to the point, about what these budgets look like; about what these expenses look like in today’s society. Like economic factors like inflation, and all those kinds of things, and so we see that the federal poverty level hasn’t reflected these changes over time,” said Trey Cunningham, financial empowerment counselor.

What you can do to help the cause? Join United Ways’ call for investment in affordable housing, accessible child care and livable wages.

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