In

43.5 million Americans

lived in poverty

That's 14.3%
*The official measure is based on data from the Currant Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement. The survey is sent to US households, so the estimates do not include those who are homeless. The sample also excludes military personnel who do not live with at least one civilian adult.

Why is the issue of poverty important?

What is a "Poverty Simulation"

An interactive experience aimed at helping your community understand poverty."
The Poverty Simulation is a unique, enlightening experience that helps individuals begin to understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress. It moves people to think about the harsh realities of poverty and to talk about how communities can address the problem collectively. Most importantly, it encourages people to make a difference.
In the simulation, participants assume the roles families facing a variety of challenging, but typical circumstances. Some are homeless, others have recently become unemployed, and some are suddenly faced with the responsibility of raising grandchildren.

To start the simulation, each family is given a card explaining its unique situation, as well as a small amount of “money.” Then, the families must secure food, shelter, and other basic necessities by accessing the various resources during the course of four “weeks.”
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Families and individuals living in poverty face multiple challenges every day. The faces of the hungry and poor are often not easy to recognize. Often poverty and hunger lead to increased risk of illness, poor school performance by children, poor productivity by working adults and ultimately a cycle of struggling that can seem insurmountable.
They often must ask themselves:
  • "How will I pay for gas to get to work?
  • How can I afford the medicine I need to live and the food I need to be healthy?
  • How will I stretch my limited income to pay for rent and child care this month?
  • How will I cash my paycheck when no bank will accept me as a customer?
  • What if something unexpected happens that lands my family on the street?

Do you need volunteers?
Volunteers play the roles of resource providers, such as social workers, loan officers, employers, pawnbrokers, grocers, utility collectors, police officers, and teachers.

How much space do you need?
The program is conducted in a large room. Participants are seated in family clusters, and community resources are located at tables around the perimeter of the room.

How much time is required?
The activity lasts approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on group size and includes:
  • Introduction and briefing by facilitator
  • Poverty Simulation  exercise itself
  • Debriefing in which participants and volunteers share what they learned about living in poverty
The simulation leaves a lasting impression on participants and communities.

Outcomes of the Poverty Simulation

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The Most Important

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The Most Delicious

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The First

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