PHOTO CAPTION: Gov Chris Christie was the featured speaker at United Way’s annual Public Officials Forum on May 24th at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ. The forum was attended by over 250 elected officials, corporate leaders, and community members. The program presented new data gathered by United Way on the needs of Northern New Jersey’s working poor - those individuals and families who live in the gray area between abject poverty and financial and social stability. Photo by BOB ELAM.
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United Way 2010 Public Officials Forum
United Way Unveils Startling Reality for 23% of Northern NJ Population
Community and Public Officials Encouraged to Support At-Risk Families
Morristown, N.J. – United Ways of Hunterdon, Morris, North Essex, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren Counties collectively hosted the 2010 Public Officials Forum, held on the evening of May 24, 2010 at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, N.J.
This year’s forum focused on the needs of residents who struggle every day to make ends meet. This population has been identified as “ALICE,” an acronym representing those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, yet Employed. These residents are working in low-wage jobs, with limited assets and circumstances that constrain their earning capacity. They live each day one crisis away from critical financial instability.
Stephanie Hoopes Halpin, PhD from the London School of Economics, United Way volunteer and chair of the ALICE research task force, presented data from a two year study conducted by a group of research experts on behalf of United Way. The study revealed a surprisingly high number of residents living in households which earn incomes above the poverty line but below the level of self-sufficiency. These individuals struggle to provide the five basic necessities – housing, child care, food, transportation and health care – for themselves and their families. In Morris County, for instance, 21% of residents fall into the ALICE category.
In highlighting the magnitude of those living in New Jersey who struggle to be financially stable, Halpin welcomed support from public officials, area corporations, and community members to help this at-risk population maintain self-sufficiency.
“The ALICE data shines a light on those who live in the gray area between abject poverty and some semblance of financial and social stability,” Halpin said. “ALICE is our son or daughter, our parents, a neighbor or co-worker, who struggles to be financially stable. With low wages and no savings, one setback – a broken boiler, a dental emergency – can instigate a downward spiral into poverty, which is costly. It is in all of our best interests to help ALICE remain financially stable.”
Governor Chris Christie was the special guest speaker for the evening. In his comments he noted that the aggressive budget actions that his administration is taking now are designed to make sure that “my children, your children, and your neighbor’s children will be able to stay in this state, and will be able to afford to attend college, find a job, and buy a home.”
Kevin Rigby, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, highlighted the effectiveness of United Way to address community problems.
“United Way is a valued partner with significant insight into the issues facing many who suffer silently among us,” noted Rigby. “I encourage public officials, corporations and community leaders to include United Way in your discussions as you seek to develop solutions to help those in need.”
The Forum was moderated by United Way volunteer and chair of the Public Officials Forum committee, Peter Wolfson of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C. Wolfson noted that the United Ways hosting the event represent an important, economically interdependent region with a workforce of more than 1 million residents.
“Tonight we learned more about the residents in these counties upon whom our businesses and communities depend, but who struggle each day to make ends meet,” said Wolfson. “We hope tonight’s program will prompt follow-up dialogue about our ALICE neighbors among state, regional, and local leaders.”
The event was sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a long time supporter of United Way and a company that believes in corporate citizenship and a commitment to communities.
For more information about ALICE in your community, contact your local United Way.
About United Way
United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income, and health. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. We address issues most critical to the future of each individual County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. It is our goal to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from occurring. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.