Poverty Simulation

Poverty Simulation

POVERTY SIMULATION

Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. However, unless you have personally experienced poverty, it can be difficult to fully understand the challenges and barriers that come with it. The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) helps bridge that gap by moving participants from misconception to understanding through an interactive immersion experience.

CAPS is not a game. It is based on the real-life experiences of Community Action clients and the challenges they face every day. During the simulation, participants role-play the life of a low-income family while navigating everyday situations involving housing, employment, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and other basic needs.

The purpose of CAPS is to:

• Promote Poverty Awareness
Participants experience a simulated month in poverty to better understand the realities faced by low-income families.

• Increase Understanding
Following the simulation, participants engage in discussion and reflection to process what they learned and explore ideas for community change.

• Inspire Local Change
The simulation encourages participants to become advocates for change within their families, workplaces, schools, and communities.

• Transform Perspectives
CAPS works to shift the perception of poverty away from being viewed as a personal failure and toward understanding poverty as a structural issue and societal challenge.

The Community Action Poverty Simulation is a powerful educational experience that builds empathy, encourages dialogue, and inspires action toward reducing poverty and strengthening communities.