The Community Action Network Poverty Simulation is an interactive, hands-on experience designed to increase awareness and understanding of the realities faced by individuals and families living in poverty. Participants are assigned roles and must navigate a simulated month while making difficult decisions related to employment, housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare, and financial responsibilities.

This powerful experience helps participants gain insight into the barriers many people encounter every day and encourages empathy, critical thinking, and meaningful discussion about poverty and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.