The Center for Civic Engagement and the Office of the Chaplaincy hosted University of Richmond's eighth annual poverty simulation on Oct. 7, attended by more than 50 student participants. During the simulation, students were required to role-play the lives of low-income families by securing food, shelter and other basic necessities for a month. The entire simulation lasted for approximately one hour.
During the simulation, tables were set up around the Alice Haynes Room representing various community services and resources. Participants were responsible for managing their family's finances by visiting the necessary social institutions--such as a bank, public school and rent collector --to ensure survival. Volunteers included Richmond students, staff and faculty members as well as people employed by the CCE's various community partnerships.
The simulation was designed to promote a greater understanding of poverty by exposing participants to the realities of life with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress. Another simulation will be held during the spring semester.
Contact photographer Gaby Calabrese at gaby.calabrese@richmond.edu
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