Trident United Way’s “State of Our Families” Summit highlights struggles of working families across the Lowcountry

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – New numbers from United Way’s ALICE report show that nearly four in ten families in the Tri-County region are struggling to afford basic needs like housing, childcare and healthcare, even while working full time.

That data was the focus of Trident United Way’s third annual “State of Our Families” Summit, held Tuesday at Trident Technical College. The event brought together regional leaders, businesses, educators and nonprofit organizations to discuss long-term solutions that could help thousands of Lowcountry families find financial stability.

The acronym ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The term describes households that earn above the federal poverty line but not enough to cover the rising costs of living in South Carolina.