Could you survive a month in poverty?

46 million Americans, 16.4 million of whom are children under the age of 18, 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 Medicaid and SNAP food benefits. 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 the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center is inviting you to walk a mile in the shoes of those facing poverty by participating in the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS). 

The CAPS 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.  

The simulation will be held from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm on October 22, 2011 in Mendenhall Student Center. ECU students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate. Participants must register in advance by contacting Jessica Gagne Cloutier (gagnej@ecu.edu or 252-328-2735).

Registration is limited to 72 persons.