Springfield, IL (WAND) – United Way invested more than $1.3 million into 21 local programs across central Illinois to help families thrive.

“In Sangamon and Menard counties, there are nearly 32,000 households that don’t make enough for a realistic survival budget. And it is like bare-bones, realistic survival — that is staggering,” said United Way of Central Illinois Director of Communications Megan Reynolds.

The organization has guaranteed funding for the next three years, giving programs long-term support to expand services.

Reynolds said the investment targets Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households, working families who earn too much to qualify for many assistance programs but still struggle to cover basic needs.

“They’re one real crisis away from things spiraling — losing their housing, losing transportation, losing their job or childcare — and that could send them into poverty,” Reynolds said.

The grants will support programs ranging from youth opportunities to behavioral health services. Reynolds said United Way focused its investment on programs that address the community’s greatest needs and create long-term impact.

“There’s so many organizations in this community doing great work, and it would be easy to pigeonhole and support one or, conversely, support everybody. We are trying to make sure we are moving the needle, and as a volunteer organization, our vision councils put in the work to understand the needs,” Reynolds said.