Could You Afford a $400 Emergency? Many Powhatan Families Can’t — Let’s Talk About It

The Free Clinic Powhatan
Oct 2
2 min read

Inflation has stretched everyone’s budget, but for many Powhatan families, the challenge goes deeper. More than one-third of households in our county are just one emergency away from financial crisis. A sudden car repair, medical bill, or appliance breakdown — even an expense as small as $400 — could force tough choices like borrowing money or selling belongings.

This group of neighbors is known as ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to cover the basic cost of living. They’re working hard, but still walking a financial tightrope with no safety net for unexpected costs.

The United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg recently released the latest ALICE Report, showing how many Powhatan families live in this reality.

To help us understand what this means locally, the Free Clinic of Powhatan is hosting a free community workshop on:

Tuesday, October 28

6:00–7:00 p.m.

Powhatan Public Library, 2270 Mann Road

At the workshop, United Way leaders Frank Cardella, Director of Economic Development, and Aliyah Karner, Director of Healthy Community, will walk us through:

What the ALICE framework is and how it differs from poverty
An interactive simulation that helps participants see the choices ALICE households face
Local data on Powhatan families and how it can be used to create solutions

This is a chance to better understand the struggles many of our neighbors face — and to talk about what we can do together as a community.

Let’s come together on October 28 to learn, share, and take steps toward a healthier, more stable Powhatan for everyone. Learn more at https://www.unitedforalice.org/.