Keala Foundation Initiative
Our Work
Join, subscribe, and donate to the Keala Foundation Initiative. United Way, which operates numerous 211 centers, identifies many struggling households as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). However, these households often face discrimination in hiring, and termination practices. In addition, heightened fear of public disparagement for exercising 1st amendment free speech rights. This often leaves business owners, heads of household, families and individuals feeling disaffected and in a precarious financial position despite their employment.
In 2021, about 36 million American households, or 29%, fell into the ALICE category—a significant rise since 2010. These households earn slightly above the federal poverty line, which disqualifies them from most social services, including free legal aid. Despite earning above this outdated and inadequate benchmark, they still cannot meet the real cost of living, particularly as housing costs have skyrocketed. The federal poverty line fails to account for these living expenses, disproportionately affecting ALICE households and perpetuating economic disparities.
An unexpected legal expense-such as a traffic ticket, eviction, or divorce-only compounds their financial strain, fueling public frustration that the government is not adequately supporting working families. This sentiment extends beyond ALICE households to include many middle-class Americans who also face discrimination in hiring and economic insecurity.
Given these pressures, the legal needs of ALICE households are particularly urgent. With the average legal matter costing $2,500, many middle-class Americans—who represent more than 50% of the population-find the justice system inaccessible. Initiatives like the Keala Foundation specifically aim to improve access to affordable legal services for underserved middle-class Americans, including those in the ALICE category and up to twice the median household income. These individuals often earn too much to qualify for overburdened free legal aid but too little to afford traditional legal services, a disparity exacerbated by discriminatory practices in the workforce.
Keala Foundation Initiative is a collaboration between, Catholic Charities Legal Network, Heroes, Inc. and community of small business owners. We seek to encourage and promote a supportive community of legal professionals and organizations committed to innovative approaches that make legal services more accessible and affordable. By sharing best practices and resources, the network strives to bridge the gap between the legal needs of middle-class households and the services available to them, advocating for systemic changes that address economic discrimination and public disparagement.