Description

Poverty Simulations are impactful exercises aimed at helping community leaders, health and human service providers, local businesses, and other stakeholders better understand the daily challenges faced by individuals living in poverty. These simulations also highlight how existing systems, policies, and practices can create barriers for those in need. Additionally, participants and volunteers

Meet Ann Aber. Like many individuals living in poverty, Ann faces the daily struggle of keeping a roof over her head and ensuring her children have enough to eat. Ann is just one of up to 26 families who will participate in the Poverty Simulation. During this event, you will take on the identity of someone like Ann and work together with your "family" to experience a month in poverty.

The simulated "community" will be set up in a large room. You and your neighbors' "homes" will be represented by chairs in the center of the room, while the services you need, such as banks, schools, and grocery stores, will be arranged around you. Each 15-minute segment of the simulation will represent one week of the month. This experience will give you a brief glimpse into the challenges of navigating government and social service agencies, using public transportation, and making difficult decisions about which bills to pay—such as rent, groceries, medicine, or utilities.

The program has no cost, and lunch will be provided.

This experience will give you a deeper understanding of millions of low-income individuals' daily challenges and how communities can address these issues. The poverty simulation is a powerful experience that reveals the often harsh realities of living in poverty. Understanding poverty can deepen your empathy for those around you, whether it’s your neighbor, client, or family member. By acknowledging the complexities of their struggles, you can better support and connect with them.