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ALICE report shows economic struggles in Florida households

ALICE Report shows economic struggles in Florida households
ALICE Report shows economic struggles in Florida households
Posted at 4:32 PM, Feb 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-08 12:38:47-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Nearly half of households across Florida struggle to pay for basic needs from rent to childcare to buying clothes.

The United Way released their ALICE report on Wednesday which studies working families who earn more-than the poverty level but still struggle to get by.

Victoria and Sierra Townsend are a mother and daughter who fall under that category.

Sierra is starting college next fall and they say the financial stress that comes along with school and everything else in life isn't easy.

"What we're trying to get senators and state leaders to understand is that we're not looking for a hand-out. We're looking for a hand up," said Townsend." "It's pretty hard for us to be able to flourish and be able to live among people who happen to make a little more income or happen to live a little more comfortable."

The report's main conclusion many families are struggling despite being employed.

It also includes a survival budget to help people afford basic needs in their communities.