SHAWANO AND MENOMINEE COUNTIES, WI – New data released through the ALICE Report shows that financial hardship continues to rise across Shawano and Menominee counties, with local leaders warning that the situation may be even more challenging today than the numbers indicate.
The 2026 State of ALICE Report found that 35% of households in Shawano County and 48% of households in Menominee County are unable to afford the basic cost of living. Those figures are up from 33% and 47%, respectively, in last year’s report.
Shawano Area United Way Executive Director Uriah Williams said the data is based on information collected in 2024, meaning current conditions may be even more difficult for many families.
“I suspect that it’s not quite even accurate to what we’re experiencing today in 2026,” Williams said. “Last year’s report, we had 33% of Shawano County and 47% of Menominee County.”
Williams said rising costs continue to outpace wage growth, creating additional pressure on working families who may earn too much to qualify for assistance but still struggle to cover everyday expenses.
“You throw in the high housing costs and you throw in the childcare costs,” Williams said. “Those have just gone up exponentially for a number of years now, and it’s catching up to us because wages haven’t kept up with it.”
The report measures households that fall into the ALICE category, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, meaning families who are working but still cannot afford necessities such as housing, childcare, transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities.
Williams noted that traditional poverty statistics often fail to capture the full scope of the issue because the federal poverty threshold remains significantly below what many families need to survive in today’s economy.
While the challenges are growing, Williams says the Shawano Area United Way continues working with local agencies and community partners to provide support.
The organization provides grant funding to nonprofits focused on education, financial stability, and health. It also operates several direct-service programs, including the Diaper Bank, Community Dinners, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites.
Williams said local nonprofits play a critical role in helping families navigate financial hardship and encouraged residents to support those efforts through donations and volunteer service.
“Support your nonprofits,” Williams said. “Monetarily through donations, that’s always appreciated, or to go volunteer.”
Residents interested in volunteer opportunities can find information through the Shawano Area United Way’s online volunteer database, which includes dozens of opportunities throughout Shawano and Menominee counties.
Williams said addressing the needs of ALICE households will require continued collaboration among nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and community members as rising costs continue to impact local families.
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