VESTAL, N.Y. (WBNG) — A new report from United Way of New York State shows 48% of New York households can\u2019t afford the basic cost of living.<\/p>\n
The 2026 Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE, report found working families are barely making ends meet.<\/p>\n
In Broome County, 43% of households fall below the ALICE threshold, meaning they\u2019re working but still struggling to pay for essentials like housing, food, and child care.<\/p>\n
\u201cNearly half of the New York households are having trouble making ends meet with basic costs of living,\u201d said Therese Daly, president and CEO of United Way of New York State.<\/p>\n
United Way leaders said the report goes beyond statistics, revealing the financial strain on workers in some of the state\u2019s most common jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are hardworking individuals and families who are employed, contributing to our economy, and doing the best they can to make ends meet,\u201d said Paula Perna, executive director at United Way of Broome County. \u201cThis report tells us that far too many of those households are making impossible choices every day, between paying rent and getting a prescription, between heating their home or buying groceries for their family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said the findings should serve as a call to action for communities and policymakers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not only a challenge for us to absorb this information and do something with it, it is an opportunity to really confront what\u2019s right in front of us,\u201d said Lupardo, D-NY-123.<\/p>\n
Officials said the data will help shape future policy decisions and encourage investments aimed at stabilizing finances for families across Broome County and the entire state.<\/p>\n
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