KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The local United Way has released its latest data on poverty in Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties, and even before the pandemic, officials say the numbers are troubling.
The non-profit breaks down the population by those living under the federal poverty guideline and those who are the working poor, what they call “ALICE” households. That stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed residents who are cutting essentials just to get by.
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney says the most disturbing statistics are for children living in poverty and ALICE households.
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That number climbs to 76% for families with infants, and Cooney was even higher for Black and brown families.
And those numbers are from before the pandemic. They could be even worse now.
“ALICE” children have less stable housing, poorer childcare and early education, health coverage and internet access, but their parents make too much to qualify for public assistance programs.
The numbers are just as discouraging in Calhoun County, where income levels are lower on average.
