Phil AmmannThe United Way of Florida released a report on ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – last year, which revealed the scope of financial hardship in Florida.
The report found that while 15 percent of Florida households fall beneath the poverty line, an additional 30 percent experience severe financial strain despite being active in the labor force. That means that 45 percent — 3.2 million Florida households — are struggling to support themselves and their families.
These ALICE households are just one emergency away from falling into poverty. They are hard-working households that pay taxes, hold jobs and provide services that are essential to Florida’s economy. But due to child-care costs, transportation challenges, and the high cost of living, they are essentially living paycheck to paycheck. One healthcare emergency or car repair could send them into a financial crisis.
Unfortunately, the cost of housing is too high for many ALICE households and housing and rental costs continue to rise. Affordable rental units are in short supply, as there are more than twice as many ALICE and poverty renters than there are affordable rental units. And, while there may be housing units where ALICE households can afford the mortgage, these households often lack sufficient resources for a down payment or do not qualify for a mortgage.
That is why Florida’s affordable housing programs are so important. They provide vital housing support to Floridians who are struggling with a limited household budget. Florida’s affordable housing programs, SHIP and SAIL, provide a fiscally responsible and effective way to fulfill the state’s affordable housing needs, helping families, children, elderly, veterans, the homeless and people with special needs.
The United Way of Florida understands the significance that housing plays in everyone’s life. Thus, we are proud to be a part of the Sadowski Housing Coalition, which is a nonpartisan collection of 30 statewide organizations that initially came together in 1991 to secure a dedicated revenue source for Florida’s affordable housing programs. The United Way stands hand-in-hand with the other members of the coalition as we advocate for all of the housing trust fund monies to be used for their intended purpose.
Increasing the amount of housing that ALICE households can afford would provide stability for many Florida families. We hope that during the 2016 Legislative Session the Legislature fully funds these programs.
***
Ted Granger is the president of United Way of Florida, which is a member of the Sadowski Coalition. Column courtesy of Context Florida.
