Economy and Finance Challenges: Nonprofit Workers Struggle with Jobs and Housing
Tuesday, 10 September 2024, 10:02
Economy Challenges: Nonprofit Workers' Financial Struggles
In today’s economy, nonprofit workers are essential in filling gaps in the social safety net, lending support to those in need of housing, food, and healthcare where government programs fall short. However, a significant portion of these workers face their own financial insecurity.
Financial Insecurity Among Nonprofit Workers
- Approximately 3 million nonprofit employees—nearly a quarter of the workforce—live just above the federal poverty line, according to a recent report by United for ALICE.
- The ALICE demographic is defined as asset-limited and income-constrained individuals who are employed but struggle to cover basic necessities.
- Each locality sets its own ALICE threshold, based on living costs and household size, illustrating the varying economic realities across different regions.
Impact on Society and Economy
This financial challenge presents a catch-22 for nonprofit employees: their income may prevent them from qualifying for aid, yet it remains insufficient for a stable living.
Real Lives, Real Struggles
- Lisa Kelley, a 47-year-old worker from Cincinnati, exemplifies the hardships many face, living paycheck to paycheck.
- This highlights broader concerns in today’s economy, touching upon how the nonprofit sector's workforce is impacted by the labor market dynamics.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.