Could you survive a month in poverty? Over 52,000 of our neighbors and friends in Montgomery County live in poverty every day. Many more have incomes above the poverty line but are still low enough to qualify for programs like Food Stamps and Medicaid. The recent economic downturn has seen unemployment rates rise and the use of emergency food pantries increase. It is difficult for those of us who 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 they feel.
That is why we are inviting you to walk a mile in the shoes of those facing poverty by participating in the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS). CAPS allows participants to assume the role of a low-income family member living on a limited budget. The experience is divided into four 15-minute sessions, each of which represents one week in which you must provide for your family and maintain your home.
As one participant commented, "This poverty simulation dramatically demonstrates how much time and energy many families have to give just to survive from day to day."
Attendees will be walking around a large room participating in a poverty simulation. All roles in the simulation will be assigned upon arrival, and a brief introduction to the simulation will be given before starting. The simulation will end with a wrap-up discussion.
Please give yourself enough time to arrive and sign in; a light breakfast and coffee will be provided to participants. We will begin promptly at 9:00; after this time, attendance will not be permitted as it will disrupt the flow of the simulation.