United Way Breakfast Highlights Financial Struggles of Working Families in Kansas
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — United Way of Reno County hosted its annual CEO Breakfast this week featuring a simulation exercise designed to show community leaders the financial realities facing working families who struggle to afford basic necessities.
The event highlighted challenges facing ALICE households — families that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed — who earn above the federal poverty line but cannot afford essential expenses like housing, child care and transportation.
In Kansas, 38% of households were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023, including 12% earning below the Federal Poverty Level and 26% classified as ALICE families, according to new United For ALICE research.
"The morning wasn't just a chance to celebrate the incredible leaders in our community and their efforts to help our neighbors thrive," organizers posted on social media. The breakfast included "a simulation experience that gave participants a glimpse into the realities of those living in the ALICE category right here in Reno County."
The exercise reportedly created stress and confusion among participants, demonstrating how quickly financial stability can deteriorate for working families through unexpected expenses or emergencies.
The average cost of basic necessities in Kansas totaled $27,216 for a single adult and $68,712 for a family of four with two adults and two children in child care — significantly higher than federal poverty guidelines of $14,580 for individuals and $30,000 for families of four.
Of the 20 most common occupations in Kansas, 14 paid less than $20 per hour in 2023, and 29% of all workers in the top 20 occupations lived in households below the ALICE Threshold.
The data reveals that many essential workers — including cashiers, child care providers and retail employees — cannot afford basic living costs in their communities despite maintaining steady employment.
United Way of Reno County focuses on education, income and health initiatives to address these challenges. The organization recently reached $900,000 toward its $1.3 million fundraising goal, supporting 21 local nonprofits and their programs.
Financial hardship affects households across all demographic groups in Kansas, though certain populations face disproportionate challenges due to systemic barriers that limit access to resources and opportunities.
United Way of Reno County maintains a 100% recommendation rating based on 11 reviews and can be reached at (620) 669-9329 or info@unitedwayofrenocounty.org. The organization is located at 111 N. Walnut Street, Suite B, in Hutchinson.
Additional information about ALICE research and Kansas-specific data is available at unitedforalice.org.