KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A study says of the 11,033 veterans in Kalamazoo County, 2% are deemed in poverty, with 19% struggling to afford the basics. Those numbers are lower in both categories compared to statewide numbers for both veterans and non-veterans.
The report comes from the Michigan Association of United Ways and its research partner, United For ALICE.
In 2019, 6% of the state’s veterans were deemed in poverty, and 20% were ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to live and work in the modern economy.
Combined, 26% of Michigan’s veterans were below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival, with income that doesn’t meet the basic costs of housing, child care, health care, transportation and a smartphone plan.
In the United Way of South Central Michigan’s six-county region, 13,153 veterans live below the ALICE Threshold, or 27% of 49,533 total veterans. That includes 9,074 who are ALICE and 4,079 living in poverty.
The state’s veterans are slightly better off than non-veterans with 26% struggling to make ends meet compared to 30% of adults who never served.
United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D says, “Veterans have higher rates of full-time employment, are more likely to be homeowners and have more comprehensive health insurance coverage and disability benefits. This suggests that the supports afforded veterans are making a difference and could provide invaluable insights for developing strategies that help nonveterans facing financial hardship.”
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