Poverty Simulations

Could you survive a month in poverty? 32.9 million Americans, 11.7 million of whom are children, live in poverty every day. Many more have incomes above the Federal poverty line, but their incomes are still low enough to qualify for programs such as food stamps and Medicaid.

It is difficult for those who do have enough to truly understand the situations that families living in poverty experience every day – the decisions they have to make, and the fears and frustrations that they feel. The Community Action Poverty Simulation provides the opportunity for members of the community to walk a mile in the shoes of families in poverty. The poverty Simulation provides participants with the opportunity to assume the role of a family member living on a low-income budget. The experience is divided into four 15-minute “weeks” in which participants must provide for their family and maintain their home.

Some groups and organizations already benefiting from the Poverty Simulation experience include:

• Jefferson City Public Schools
• Columbia Public Schools
• Fayette Public Schools
• Moniteau R-I Public Schools
• University of Missouri
• Linn State Technical University
• Westminster University
• Missouri Department of Corrections

• William Woods University
• Central Methodist University
• Columbia College
• Columbia Chamber of Commerce
• Child Advocates
• Law Enforcement Officers
• Family Support Case Managers
• High School students