Household income and health are intrinsically tied. With more cuts and changes coming to federally funded programs, working at the community level to help people in need is more important than ever.

The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is used to determine eligibility for various federal assistance programs. In 2025, the FPL for a single person was $15,650 ($1,304/month). Compare that to the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,393/month. These numbers simply don’t add up — and the situation doesn’t improve much for larger family units. Even households earning two to three times the FPL often struggle to afford essentials such as housing, childcare, food, and transportation. This is the ALICE population: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

According to United for ALICE (a branch of the United Way), in 2023, 14% of New York households lived below the FPL, and an additional 33% were classified as ALICE. In total, more than 47% of New York households face financial hardship. In the North Country, these challenges are even more concerning: in St. Lawrence County, for example, half of all households fall into poverty or ALICE status.

ALICE households face pressures that contribute to a higher prevalence of chronic disease. Current federal policies that cut funding for essential programs will only worsen these challenges. In the coming years, we can expect increases in the ALICE and poverty populations, along with a greater demand for food, transportation, housing, and healthcare. As Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs) rise, the health of our communities will likely decline — unless we come together, prepare, and take action.

We must build stronger, more compassionate communities, bolster the support people depend on, and create a society that honors every individual with the dignity and respect they deserve — simply for being human.

At The Heart Network, we are actively tackling these challenges head-on. Our network includes schools, community groups, healthcare providers, public health departments and other organizations that support underserved communities. Through our Creating Healthy Schools & Communities (CHSC) program, funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Health, we empower schools and communities to expand access to physical activity and nutritious foods, creating healthier environments for children and families. As part of the Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free NY grant, we partner with healthcare providers to increase access to tobacco cessation services across the North Country, helping people live longer, healthier lives. Our Get Healthy North Country Network coordinates free lifestyle change programs that target the root causes of chronic disease, while our membership in the Adirondack Food Systems Network allows us to actively advocate for equitable access to healthy food throughout the region.

Investing in programs that address the root causes of financial hardship and health disparities is more important than ever. Everyone can play a role — by learning, volunteering and supporting public health initiatives.

What is your organization doing to ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle? What will we do to protect our communities as ALICE numbers rise across the region? Will we sit back, guard what is “ours,” and turn inward — or will we reach out, give, share and help each other? The choice is ours, and change begins close to home: with our neighbors, school districts and local communities. Each of us is only one tragedy away from becoming part of the ALICE population. Our well-being is connected, and only when everyone is supported can we all flourish. Volunteer, donate or simply offer a kind word.

Amy Kohanski and Arriana Patraw work at The Heart Network in Saranac Lake. To learn more about The Heart Network, visit heartnetwork.org. To learn more about Get Healthy North Country, visit gethealthynoco.org.