Nearly 13,000 Walworth County residents, or 12.8%, live in poverty every day according to the 2008-2012 American Community Survey, which can be found at apl.wisc.edu/resources.
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 Side by Side is inviting area residents to walk a mile in the shoes of those facing poverty by participating in a poverty simulation from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 27, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lake Geneva.
A 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 poverty 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!’” on participant said.
The event is appropriate for community organizations that serve low-income families, faith based organizations, volunteers at food distribution sites, school administrators and educators, business owners and economic development specialists, elected officials, high school and college students, social workers, concerned citizens and anyone who would like to learn more about their community and find ways to improve life for others.
The simulation is hosted by Side by Side and facilitated by UW-Extension. The simulation is made possible by funds provided by the Elkhorn Fund to purchase the kit.
Space is limited so registration is required. Register online at bit.ly/PovSim19, by email at amanda.kostman@wisc.edu or by calling 262-7414951.
