MTSU To Host ALICE In Our Community

Middle Tennessee State University's Department of Social Work and the Human Development and Family Science Program are joining forces with two local nonprofits to address financial disparities of some of the region's neediest residents.

United Way of South Central Tennessee and League of Women Voters of Murfreesboro-Rutherford County are teaming up with MTSU to present "ALICE in Our Community: Impact and Local Action" at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in MTSU's Miller Education Center, 503 E. Bell St.

"The mission of MTSU is not only to help educate the best leaders and workers for our area, but also to help build support in the community and support the community through events like this," said associate professor Claire Cook, Human Development and Family Science program coordinator in the Department of Human Sciences.

ALICE -- an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed -- is a nationwide United Way report that helps define and understand the challenges of households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford basic necessities.

"United Way will be presenting the most up-to-date information specific to Rutherford County, so it's a really unique opportunity to get the hyper-localized information about what family life looks like for most residents at or below the poverty line," Cook said.

According to federal reports, 46% of households in Rutherford County live on the verge of financial instability and struggle to meet basic needs.

"Coming out of the pandemic, the economy has changed and we've seen the effects in our region," Cook said.

For far too many families, the cost of living outpaces what they earn. These households struggle to manage even their most basic needs -- housing, food, transportation, childcare, health care, and necessary technology.

Cook said the presentation is open to the public and information will be "applicable to a broad group of constituents."

"I believe this is beneficial for anyone willing to be a part of the conversation and learn how you can help support those who struggle the most," Cook said.

Several organizations have been invited to share their experiences, including Launch Point, The Family Center, Legal Aid Society, Workforce Essentials, Murfreesboro City Schools and Rutherford County Schools.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available at the Miller building and in the lot across the street.