Identify Risks. Prioritize Support. Foster Stability
The Family Stability Matrix is a comprehensive assessment framework designed to evaluate the economic, social, and personal factors that influence the stability of families living at or near the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. By mapping key domains such as housing, employment, education, health, childcare, and financial security, the matrix provides a multi-dimensional snapshot of a household's current situation. By identifying both vulnerabilities and strengths, this tool can help guide caseworkers in aligning resources, tracking progress over time, and building pathways for families toward resilience and economic mobility.
Understanding ALICE
ALICE households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but below the basic cost of living. In Tennessee, 42% of households are ALICE or below the poverty line.
Who is ALICE?
Child care workers, home health aides, retail workers, and many other essential workers who keep our communities running.
Visit United for ALICEPartnerships
The Family Stability Matrix is the product of a collaborative effort between United Way of West Tennessee, United for ALICE, and the University of Tennessee (Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research and SWORPS (the Social Work Office of Research and Public Service)). This tool builds upon United for ALICE’s rigorous, county-level data that identifies the minimum cost of household essentials needed for families to live and work in today’s economy. ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and includes households that struggle to afford basic expenses despite having earnings that exceed the federal poverty level.
