Nearly thirty people experienced the virtual realities of poverty in a unique poverty simulation conducted on Thursday, Aug. 28 by South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, in partnership with Missouri Highlands Health Care's Delta Program - Ozark Highlands Wellness Consortium.
The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) was designed to help people better understand the realities of poverty. Participants included staff members of various human services and healthcare agencies.
"This program helps people understand the complexities and frustrations of living in poverty day to day," said Ginger Hill, community services director for SCMCAA. "With a greater awareness of its impact, we can more effectively address the poverty issues in our community. We are also hoping that events such as this will motivate more community people to volunteer more of their time toward efforts that help the less fortunate."
Using a simulation kit, participants role-played the lives of low-income families. Some were TANF (temporary assistance for needy families) recipients, some were disabled and others were senior citizens on Social Security. They had the stressful task of providing for basic necessities and shelter on a limited budget during the course of four 15-minute "weeks."
Participants interacted with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, police officers and others.
More than 773,000 Missourians are living at or below federal poverty level, according to recent
"This is the everyday reality of thousands of Missourians. Understanding that reality will help us change it," said Hill.
The simulation was designed to sensitize those who frequently deal with low-income families, as well as to create a broader awareness of poverty among policymakers, community leaders and others.
SCMCAA is currently seeking more organizations to partner with in offering the experience to
For more information, contact Ginger Hill at 573-325-4255.
