A recent report by the United Way Suncoast revealed that a family of four in Pinellas County must earn more than $114,000 to afford the basics, making it the second-highest survival budget in Florida. The report, known as the ALICE Report, highlights the financial struggles of families in the region.

Soaring Living Costs

The cost of living in Florida is outpacing wage increases, making it difficult for families to make ends meet. The report shows that 47% of families in Florida are living below the ALICE threshold, which is the minimum amount needed to afford basic necessities.

The United Way Suncoast’s region includes DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Nearly 665,000 households in the region live below the ALICE threshold. The report also notes that financial hardship is affecting two-parent households, single-parent households, and senior citizens.

Local County Financial Strains

According to the report, Pinellas County has the second-highest survival budget in the state, behind Miami-Dade County. A family of four in Pinellas County must bring in more than $114,000 just to afford the necessities. The report stated that 75% of households led by single mothers fall below the threshold, compared with 23% of two-parent households.

Organizations in the Tampa Bay region say childcare is one of the challenges for many families. The United Way Suncoast works with the YMCA and schools to offer summer camp scholarships, summer educational support, and other resources for families while school is out.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.