United Way of Kennebec Valley is concluding its 2024 “Unignorable” campaign by highlighting the challenges of financial stability with three posters. Addressing the struggles of living paycheck to paycheck, affordable housing, and homelessness, these visuals aim to emphasize the financial hardships many in Kennebec County face every day.

Created by Michelle Tibbetts, UWKV’s director of marketing, the illustrations are designed to evoke empathy and inspire action — encouraging the community to work toward solutions that foster stability and opportunity, according to a news release from the Augusta chapter.

Living Paycheck to Paycheck: A Financial Tightrope

The first poster explores the precarious reality for the 41% of households in Kennebec County living below the ALICE threshold. For these families, missing a single paycheck can lead to financial collapse.

“Living paycheck to paycheck feels like walking a tightrope without a safety net,” Tibbetts said. “The constant balancing act forces impossible choices between housing, food, child care, and medical care — leaving families in a cycle of stress and vulnerability.”

This financial instability limits opportunities, creating barriers that ripple through families and communities alike. UWKV works with local partners to help individuals and families find their footing, providing resources for skills training, employment support, and financial literacy.

Affordable Housing: A Persistent Challenge

The second poster shifts focus to the ongoing housing crisis, as 26% of households in Kennebec County spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Rising rents, long waitlists, and strict qualifications make stable housing seem out of reach for many families.

“Affordable housing often feels like chasing something you can never catch,” Tibbetts said. “This relentless struggle weighs heavily on families, affecting their mental and physical health and leaving them in a constant state of instability.”

Through its partnership with Impact2032, UWKV aims to decrease the percentage of cost-burdened households to 23% within the next decade. By addressing barriers to affordable housing, UWKV is working to provide families with the stability they need to thrive.

Homelessness: Breaking the Cycle

The final poster sheds light on homelessness, which often results from the compounding effects of financial instability, mental health challenges, and lack of educational opportunities. In 2022, Kennebec County experienced 727 evictions, illustrating the widespread impact of this crisis.

“Homelessness isn’t just an individual challenge — it’s a community-wide issue,” said Tibbetts. “Breaking this cycle requires a comprehensive approach, from affordable housing and mental health support to education and job opportunities.”

Homelessness affects more than those directly experiencing it. It strains public services, hinders economic growth, and impacts community morale. UWKV collaborates with local organizations to tackle these root causes and create pathways to stability for all.

As UWKV wraps up its 2024 campaign season, the organization invites the community to come together to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain. The campaign celebration will spotlight the ALICE population, recognize outstanding contributions from campaigns, partners and supporters, and inspire continued efforts toward building a more equitable Kennebec County.

The celebration is set for 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Kennebec Valley Community Center’s Carter Hall, 92 Western Ave. in Fairfield.

Tickets cost $20 per person or $150 for a table of eight.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a basic needs item to benefit the Waterville Area Essentials Closet and Bridging the Gap.

An ASL interpreter will be provided.

For tickets or more information visit uwkv.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!