Recently, the term "the U.S. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Threshold," has gained traction on social media, sparking widespread discussion. Netizens use it to describe a state of financial vulnerability in which individuals or households have little to no margin for error–where a single unexpected event can lead to a swift and potentially lasting hardship. "Uncovering America" is a series that examines the lives of ordinary Americans, exploring the challenges they face today from multiple perspectives.

Rental housing affordability remains one of the most pressing issues facing renters and policymakers in Chicago. According to the city's 2025 annual report on homelessness, Chicago is facing its largest gap in affordable and available housing in a decade. The city's annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count estimated 7,452 people were experiencing homelessness, either in shelters or unsheltered locations, on January 23, 2025. To address the challenge, Chicago has introduced zoning and land-use reforms, including the Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance, aimed at increasing residential density and expanding housing supply.

In this video, Nick Serra, a professional in the construction industry, and Steven Vance, a social worker, discuss the housing problems faced by the people of Chicago, as well as the effectiveness and limitations of the Additional Dwelling Units (ADU). They note that there is a rental crisis in Chicago, with the rent increase ranking among the highest in the United States. The ADU has expanded affordable housing options for residents. While some communities have expressed concerns and resistance to new rental developments, they agree that increasing housing supply remains a fundamental way to ease rental pressure and support the development of affordable housing.