The Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation Community Center is hosting a powerful, immersive experience aimed at shedding light on the harsh realities of living in poverty. In partnership with the Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City, this Poverty Simulation will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Excelsior Springs Community Center, located at 500 Tiger Drive in the Community Rooms.
This event is designed to help participants understand what it’s like to live at or below the poverty line, which affects nearly 45 million Americans. The Poverty Simulation aims to create an empathetic and educational experience that provides valuable insights into the day-to-day challenges faced by individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.
A Day in the Life of Poverty
Participants in the simulation will be assigned a persona—ranging from an elderly individual with chronic health issues to a high school student dealing with the pressures of school and home life. For the next few hours, each person will have to navigate the complexities of life on a limited income.
The simulation is structured like a month in the life of someone living in poverty, with each month broken up into four “weeks,” each lasting about 15 minutes. During these weeks, participants must make difficult decisions to survive: Can they keep their bills paid? Will they be able to feed their family? As they move through the simulation, participants will face real-life scenarios, such as having to sell possessions to cover medical expenses or juggle multiple jobs while caring for a child.
For instance, a “mom” may need to carry a baby doll around to simulate the challenges of raising a child without affordable childcare. A “grandfather” might have to sell his refrigerator just to afford medications. The goal is to illustrate the difficult choices that millions of Americans face every day.
The Realities of Poverty in Excelsior Springs
According to the most recent data from Census Reporter, 16% of the population in Excelsior Springs lives below the poverty line. For families in the area, the numbers are even more alarming: 5.6% of families and 17% of children under 18 are affected. In comparison, the state of Missouri has an overall poverty rate of 13%. Although some areas in Excelsior Springs are faring better, like Census Tract 217.01 Opportunity Zone, where the poverty rate is 6.4%, the issue of poverty remains a significant challenge for many local families.
Why Attend?
This immersive Poverty Simulation is not just about raising awareness; it’s about sparking conversations and actions to help those who are struggling in our community. By participating, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that contribute to poverty and what can be done to create meaningful change. The event will prompt strategic thinking and open the door for solutions that can make a real difference in the lives of those living in poverty.
The event is free, and spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your place early. Whether you’re a local resident looking to better understand the issues facing our community or someone interested in developing empathy for those living in poverty, the Poverty Simulation is an event you won’t want to miss.
Join us for an eye-opening experience and learn how you can be a part of the solution in helping those in need.
To register, click here to email your contact info or learn more by visiting the Poverty Simulation website.
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