Poverty Simulation Helps Community Understand Hardship

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Living the tough life–that’s saying it lightly when it comes to living in poverty.

On Tuesday afternoon, a group of about 100 people got to experience a taste of just what it’s like to be flat broke.

Put on by the The United Way of Central Georgia, the poverty simulation had participants live through a simulated month’s worth of decisions–decisions they would have to make when faced with dire circumstances.

George McCanless, CEO of the United Way, said he hopes the community will empathize with those in poverty.

“You live a month as someone in poverty,” said McCanless. “And every week you’re faced with new challenges and you have to figure out as part of the simulation how you deal with those challenges…It’s just one step in helping people gain a greater empathy and understanding of just what some of these citizens are facing on a daily basis.”

The United Way partnered with Mercer University to put on the realistic simulation.

Many local leaders, including a state congressman, were in attendance as well.