The first ALICE report was released in 2009 as a pilot project for Morris County, New Jersey — one of the wealthiest counties in the country.[5] United Way started publishing ALICE reports based on state-level data in 2012.[6] These quickly garnered media attention, seeing coverage in hundreds, perhaps thousands, of newspaper articles, including the Associated Press.[7]
The following headline was typical and variations of it were published repeatedly: “XX% of Families in [State] Can’t Afford Basic Needs.” The model has gained traction with a variety of large foundations and corporations. The United Way lists dozens of companies, business groups and other organizations that have signed up as advisors or sponsors of the ALICE report.[8] Politicians frequently cite ALICE reports. For instance, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer referenced it to justify creating the Michigan Poverty Task Force in 2019.[9]