United Way study: 35% of La Crosse County households live in financial insecurity

A new study conducted by the United Way of Wisconsin has shows just how many people are living in financial insecurity.

The study says 14 percent of La Crosse County residents are in poverty, while 21 percent are in a situation where they’re just getting by.

Mary Kay Wolf, director of the Great Rivers United Way, said it’s the families on the edge they’re worried about.

“We are seeing more of those struggling families that are trying to make ends meet are falling into poverty than rising above,” she said.

The study also states that 35 percent of La Crosse County households are living in financial insecurity.

Wolf says you’re actually better off in poverty.

“When you are falling below the federal poverty level, there are government servies that can help you,” she said. “If you’re employed and make too much money, you can’t get those same services and that’s where the community nonprofit comes into play.”

The numbers statewide say that 37.5 percent are struggling financially.

Wolf said there are several services available to people who experience financial worry, including food pantries, as well as some banks doing budget counseling.