42.3 million Americans live in poverty every day. Many more have incomes above the poverty line, but their incomes 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 a Poverty Simulation.

Our Poverty Simulation provides participants with the opportunity 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 welfare simulation dramatically demonstrates how much time and energy many families have to give just to survive from day to day. It quickly dispels the myth "that people would do fine if they would only go out and get a job!" Following the simulation, participants have a chance to talk about their experience with other members.

If your organization or local community could benefit from an increased understanding of poverty, please contact the Jillian Miller, Director of the Western Region of the Indiana Nonprofit Resource Network to schedule a simulation in your area at 765-413-6049 or jmiller@uw.lafayette.in.us.