Cary, NC - United Way of North Carolina hosted their annual Jones Street Advocacy Day on May 13, bringing together Local United Ways and their board members to meet with 50+ North Carolina legislators in their offices.
Local United Way and United Way of NC members on there way for an exciting day of meetings
Meetings focused on advocating for the passing of the North Carolina budget with suggested changes, such as raises for teachers, raises for state employees, increases in childcare subsidies, and increasing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
They then got to attend both House and Senate sessions in between one on one meetings, and received a shout out from each session stating United Way was there! United Ways play a huge role in educating their district's legislators about the pulse of the community and what their constituents need most.
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Local United Way members pose for a quick picture while listening in on the House session
The group also promoted the ALICE: In 2023, according to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), 13% of North Carolina households were financially insecure. Yet this measure failed to account for an additional 29% of households that were also experiencing financial hardship. These households are ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — with income above the FPL, but not enough to afford basic expenses in the county where they live.
Between ALICE households and those living in poverty, an estimated 42% of households in North Carolina were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023. Households below the Threshold are forced to make impossible choices — like deciding whether to pay for utilities or a car repair, whether to buy food or fill a prescription.
Households below the ALICE Threshold are in every state and county across the U.S. and represent all demographic groups. Workers below the ALICE Threshold often perform the jobs that keep our economy functioning smoothly — they are child care providers, food service workers, cashiers, personal care aides, delivery drivers, and more. Their stories capture the systemic and structural barriers to financial stability, and the struggles and resilience of families experiencing financial hardship. Click here to learn more about ALICE and how you can help make a difference.
One of our ALICE Champions, Callie, taking a financial empowerment course through Burke County United Way
UWNC's NC 211 program was also addressed, which is a free, 24/7, confidential information and referral service in which North Carolinians in all 100 counties can dial 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162 or visit NC211.org to find programs and resources to address their health and human service needs. With the call center based in Cary, NC, folks who contact NC 211 speak to Community Resource Specialists — real people who empathize and care about each caller. Just in 2025, NC 211 handled 326,500 calls! To learn more and to find resources, visit NC211.org.