08/28/2026
Monica’s Story
Meet Monica Geller.
Monica is organized. She works hard. She budgets. She plans ahead.
And she has something many New Yorkers would consider a luxury: a rent-controlled apartment that helps keep her housing costs manageable.
But even Monica can’t plan for everything.
Groceries. Utilities. Transportation. Health care. Household expenses. Unexpected repairs. And all the little costs that come with everyday life.
Her affordable apartment may give her some breathing room—but affordable housing alone doesn’t guarantee financial security.
That’s the reality for ALICE.
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—people who are working, but whose income still isn’t enough to afford the basics.
Monica reminds us that financial hardship isn’t always about poor choices.
Sometimes, people are working hard, budgeting carefully and making smart decisions—and the numbers still don’t add up.
One unexpected expense can be enough to turn a tight budget into a crisis.
That’s why Friends United matters.
When we support United Way, we help our neighbors access the resources they need to stay stable, weather unexpected challenges and build a stronger future.
Because friends don’t let friends face life’s challenges alone.
Donate to help ALICE's like Monica: https://www.prairielandunitedway.org/donate-now
