Community Opportunity Plan

Community Opportunity Plan

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BUILDING PATHWAYS TO ECONOMIC SECURITY: THE COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY PLAN

Developing a Community Opportunity Plan to Transform the Lives of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Households in Appalachia

The United Way of the River Cities (UWRC) serves over 150,000 households in six West Virginia and Ohio Counties. As the needs of struggling families rise in this region, and the traditional model of the century-old United Way changes to meet these challenges, UWRC has launched a “Community Opportunity Plan” that will coordinate anchor institutions and leverage new resources to boost the economic mobility and opportunity for all our people. We now call on our local and regional partners, area businesses and philanthropic funders, and key federal and state agencies to join with UWRC to launch and implement the Community Opportunity Plan.

The Community Opportunity Plan is a transformative initiative designed to tackle economic barriers faced by struggling households in Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, and Wayne counties in West Virginia and Gallia and Lawrence counties in Ohio. Through data-driven planning, regional collaboration, and actionable strategies, this effort will ensure that individuals and families living paycheck to paycheck have the support and opportunities they need to achieve financial security and long-term economic mobility.

WHY NOW?

Across our six-county service area, nearly 1 in 3 households (30% of residents or 50,640 households) are considered ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), meaning they earn above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford basic necessities such as housing, transportation, childcare, and healthcare. These families work hard but remain one unexpected expense away from a financial crisis, often living paycheck to paycheck with little to no savings. The rising cost of living, employment barriers, and limited access to essential services have left many residents in our communities struggling to achieve economic stability or progress. An additional 18% of residents live below the federal poverty level, meaning nearly half of all households in our region fall below the ALICE threshold.

This financial instability limits economic mobility, strains social services, and reduces workforce participation, creating long-term challenges for families and communities alike. Without a coordinated, strategic approach to addressing these systemic issues, ALICE households will continue to face barriers that affect their well-being, career opportunities, and long-term financial security.

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY PLAN?

United Way of the River Cities is leading a transformative initiative to tackle economic barriers faced by ALICE households across Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, and Wayne counties in West Virginia and Gallia and Lawrence counties in Ohio. In partnership with Marshall University faculty and students, UWRC recently conducted a regional study using ALICE and Appalachian Regional Commission data to identify root causes of financial instability and shape evidence-based solutions. This research informs the Community Opportunity Plan, a roadmap for improving financial security and economic mobility for struggling families. Coordinated by the United Way and facilitated by a skilled consulting team, the Community Opportunity Plan follows a four-phase approach, ensuring a structured and strategic response to ALICE households’ challenges:

  1. Data Collection & Regional Needs Assessment (Underway) – UWRC has conducted a comprehensive regional analysis to identify key economic challenges impacting ALICE households. This research serves as the foundation for policy recommendations, programmatic solutions, and funding strategies that will guide the next phases of the initiative.
  2. Community Leaders Congress & Task Forces (Early 2025) – The inaugural Community Leaders Congress in the first quarter of 2025 will convene government officials, anchor institutions, nonprofit leaders, businesses, and community stakeholders to analyze research findings and launch regional task forces focused on issues including workforce development, transportation, and childcare. These task forces will develop targeted action plans to align resources and implement solutions that remove barriers to economic mobility.
  3. Implementation of the Community Opportunity Plan – Task forces will develop and execute action plans aimed at expanding workforce pipelines, strengthening community partnerships, and improving support services. These strategies will increase financial stability and drive sustainable economic growth in the region.
  4. Annual Progress Evaluations & Adjustments – The Congress will reconvene annually to assess progress, refine strategies, and expand initiatives based on evolving community needs. Task forces will track measurable outcomes, identify new funding opportunities, and adjust strategies for maximum impact.

CATALYZING CHANGE THROUGH STRATEGIC INVESTMENT

The Community Opportunity Plan will drive long-term economic stability for ALICE households by aligning community resources with the region’s most pressing needs. Through data-driven decision-making, strategic collaboration, and targeted action plans, this initiative will address barriers such as workforce development, childcare, and transportation, ensuring more families have the support they need to thrive. The Community Leaders Congress and regional task forces will provide a structured framework for ongoing collaboration, fostering regional partnerships, and leveraging new funding opportunities to implement sustainable solutions. Key benefits of this work include:

  • Increased financial security for families – Expanding access to workforce development, childcare, and transportation solutions to help ALICE households achieve economic stability and progress.
  • Stronger regional collaboration – Establishing a long-term framework for community organizations, anchor institutions, businesses, and government agencies to work together.
  • Sustainable, evidence-based solutions – Using data and research to develop targeted action plans that directly address the root causes of financial hardship.
  • Enhanced funding opportunities – Strengthening UWRC’s ability to secure diversified funding that aligns with community needs.
  • Long-term economic resilience – Creating a roadmap for ongoing investments in community services, ensuring a lasting impact on families and businesses across the region.

While United Way of the River Cities has made significant progress in laying the groundwork for this ambitious and transformative effort, collaboration with local organizations, anchor institutions, businesses, and government agencies is critical to turning strategic plans into meaningful action. The insights and expertise of regional partners will help shape solutions that best address the needs of ALICE households while leveraging existing resources for maximum impact. By working together, we can build a stronger, more resilient region where all families have the opportunity to thrive. We need your support starting now in 2025 – please bring creative solutions to the table, dedicate staff resources to this effort, and back UWRC in our efforts to secure key federal and foundation grants. Your engagement and support will play a key role in ensuring that the Community Opportunity Plan translates into real, lasting change in households across West Virginia and Ohio.

Please contact Jedd Flowers, Executive Director at United Way of the River Cities at (304)-523-8929 ext. 104 or jedd.flowers@unitedwayrivercities.org for more information.