Augusta, GA
More than half of Augusta-Richmond County workers can’t cover basic living costs, United Way finds
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – More than half of all full-time workers in Augusta-Richmond County do not earn enough to cover basic living expenses, according to new research by the United Way.
The findings are part of the United Way’s ALICE report — an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
Nationally, the organization says at least 42% of U.S. households are struggling to make ends meet.
In Augusta-Richmond County, that share exceeds half the local workforce.
Who is affected most
Health care, retail, manufacturing and food service workers are among the most affected in the area.
According to the data, more than 5,000 health care workers in the region earn $12 an hour.
The United Way’s research indicates a worker needs to earn at least $24 an hour — twice that amount — to cover basic necessities in Augusta. Those basics include housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology.
Growing demand for services
The United Way and the Salvation Army said ALICE working families are the fastest-growing population in need in Augusta.
The Salvation Army is also building a new shelter to address the growing need among families.
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