The pandemic has only added to the economic uncertainty many families are facing. Living paycheck to paycheck is a familiar reality for many. The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County has set up a pilot program, Prosperi-Key, that could be helpful.
"What we hope will happen is that Prosper-Key will connect income-eligible people, including essential workers, with support, the services and discounts tailored to them through an easy to navigate online portal," said Michael Weiner, President and CEO of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County.
"We know too often lower-income households struggle to get by and they're not necessarily eligible (for federal and state safety-net programs)."
The effort, Weiner says, stems from new analytics on local households that fall under the acronym ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
"It not only helps lower-income households stretch their budgets, but it's also a way to grow the local economy by promoting businesses that serve communities throughout Erie County,"Weiner said.
"We're looking to business partners also to work with us on this platform because it's an opportunity for them to do well while doing good."
