FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — New data shows that 46% of households in Bexar County are experiencing financial hardship.
This means nearly half of all households often make tough choices based not on their values but on their budget.
In Bexar County, the following demographic groups are experiencing financial hardship:
- 80% of single-parent female-lead households
- 78% of households lead by someone under 25 years-old
- 60% of single-parent male-lead households
- 52% of older-adult (over 65+) households
- 22% of Veterans
“People in the community are working so hard to meet their needs and to provide stability for their children even if it means working multiple jobs,” said Stephanie Smith, Director of the Strong Individuals and Families Impact Area for United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. “To be able to work fewer hours and make enough income to support their families would free them to have more time, like we all want, with our families and children,” said Smith.
A large portion of the households experiencing financial hardship in San Antonio belong to a group of workers called ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. People experiencing ALICE have two or three jobs yet still do not earn wages that satisfy all basic needs in San Antonio, including housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and more. Compounding this issue is the fact that many ALICE households do not quality for most public benefits programs while still being unable to afford basic necessities.
This data was collected during 2021, when pandemic-era programs were active. As pandemic assistance programs like the expanded child tax credit and others expire, the reality today is that more financial stress is on the horizon for San Antonio households.
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County advocates for policies which improve the financial standing of individuals and families by sharing this data with employers and legislators. This will inform policy and promote positive change that will ensure the safety and stability of those unable to meet their essential needs for survival.
Anyone experiencing financial hardship in Bexar County is encouraged to call United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline to discover resources that can provide relief or support, like services that can help people increase their earning potential or continue their education. 2-1-1 is free, open 24/7/365, anonymous and available in Spanish.
For a full report on ALICE data in Texas and San Antonio, please visit this link. For more information on ALICE, please visit United For ALICE.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Femmel, Director of Communications, 210-836-8616, kfemmel@unitedwaysatx.org.
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About United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County launched its first campaign in 1940 and has grown into the largest private investor in health and human services programs in San Antonio and Bexar County. United Way focuses on preparing children for school and life, helping students graduate and succeed, strengthening the well-being of individuals and families and providing safety net services. United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County also operates the 2-1-1 Helpline, Mission United and fosters volunteerism through the Volunteer Center at United Way. Check our newsroom online for more United Way news.
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Categories: Press Releases |
