Community Leaders Gather for Conversation on Poverty
On Tuesday, July 21, United Way of Greater Central Michigan welcomed community leaders, partners, and advocates for a meaningful conversation focused on poverty, economic stability, and the challenges facing families across our region.
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO), United Way co-hosted the Northern Lower Michigan session of the 2026 Poverty Task Force Regional Roadshow—the first in a series of regional gatherings designed to bring communities together to discuss solutions and shape the future of poverty reduction efforts across Michigan.
The event brought together voices from across our communities to explore key recommendations from the Michigan Poverty Task Force’s 2026 Report, updated ALICE® data, and the anticipated community-level impacts of HR1. While these topics provided important context, the heart of the conversation was community input. Attendees shared their experiences, observations, and ideas to help ensure future efforts reflect the realities and priorities of the people who live and work here.
“The voices of our communities are essential to understanding the challenges families face and identifying solutions that create lasting change,” said Annie Sanders, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Central Michigan. “We appreciate everyone who took the time to participate, share their perspective, and help guide this important work.”
Understanding Poverty Beyond the Numbers
A key component of the conversation was the latest ALICE Report, which provides a clearer picture of financial hardship by looking beyond the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
In 2024, 13% of Michigan households were identified as living in poverty based on the FPL. However, an additional 26% of households were considered ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—meaning they earned above the poverty level but still did not earn enough to afford basic household expenses in the communities where they live. Combined, an estimated 40% of Michigan households were living below the ALICE Threshold in 2024.
These families often face impossible choices: deciding whether to pay for utilities or purchase gas to get to work, whether to buy groceries or fill a prescription, or whether to live closer to employment opportunities or take on the additional cost of a longer commute. Without enough resources to cover unexpected expenses or recover from a crisis, many working families remain one emergency away from financial instability.
Both United Way of Greater Central Michigan and the Michigan Poverty Task Force uses ALICE data as a critical tool to better understand the needs of our state and region, and to help guide strategies that strengthen financial security, expand opportunities, and support community resilience.
The Michigan Poverty Task Force released its third set of policy recommendations to continue the state’s efforts to improve economic stability and health outcomes for struggling Michiganders. The 2026 Poverty Task Force Report highlights four key areas of focus:
Improving pathways to quality employment
Enhancing public safety by removing barriers to economic participation
Providing pathways to prosperity through stable, affordable housing
Supporting prosperous futures for Michigan’s youth
While many programs and services are already helping individuals and families across Michigan, the Poverty Task Force is committed to strengthening, coordinating, and expanding these efforts to ensure families can access the support they need.
United Way of Greater Central Michigan was honored to partner with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity to bring this important conversation to our region. Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their experiences, and contributed ideas during this important conversation. Together, we can continue working toward a future where every person in our communities has the opportunity to thrive.
