Families are experiencing financial hardships due to increases in housing costs, childcare and rising inflation, to name a few. In many cases, even those who are working cannot afford basic necessities.
A conversation on Feb. 26 will focus on the Asset Limited, Income Constrained Employed, or ALICE, designation. ALICE is defined as individuals who earn more than the federal poverty level but continue to struggle to support themselves or their family.
SAW Housing will kick off its 2026 Lunch & Learn series next week on Thursday at noon at Augusta Expo in Fishersville.
United Way of the Central Shenandoah Valley Director of Community Impact Elizabeth Stover will facilitate the discussion.
“I have myself spent much of my life as an ALICE household,” she said.
ALICE is “very much an operating reality for a large share of people in our region right now,” said Stover. “I think many individuals that are working and caring for families and contributing are one unexpected expense away from instability.”
Past topics of SAW Housing Lunch & Learns have included renter’s rights, accessibility for people with differing physical abilities, permanent supportive housing, community land trusts, justice and the poor, critical home repair and a panel on first-time home ownership.
What started as an emergency response has since grown into a focus on long-term solutions to housing challenges in Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro.
“This conversation isn’t just about data, it’s about neighbors,” said Jennifer Brown, a member of the SAW Housing steering committee. “Understanding the realities facing ALICE households helps us make better decisions about policy, philanthropy and planning. We hope this Lunch & Learn sparks collaboration that leads to lasting change across the SAW region.”
The event is free, and participants are encouraged to bring a brown-bag lunch.
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Crystal Graham
