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Simulation imitates poverty | www.personcountylife.com | Courier Times http://www.personcountylife.com/news/2018-05-02/Front_Page/Simulation_imitates_poverty.html[5/14/2018 11:22:30 AM] largest percentage of local families living below poverty, at 69.8 percent, the census says. A community health survey done every few years by the Person County Health Department and the Healthy Personians organization shows that poverty is not only prevalent in the community, but a growing concern among residents. In 2011, the survey listed low income and poverty as the fifth-highest community health concern. In 2014, the survey – which reaped responses from 624 residents – listed them as the second-highest concern. ‘Better understand different populations’ In the poverty simulation, each participant is assigned the role of a lowincome resident and must use their limited budget to buy services from stations set up along the perimeter of the room, such as banks, schools and grocery stores. The roles range from an elderly person living alone to someone living with a disability to a parent with three young children. A unique tool used by over 1,000 different organizations worldwide, the simulation is used by nonprofit organizations, schools and community centers to move people to think about the harsh realities of poverty and to discuss how communities can address the problem. By allowing participants to step into real-life situations of others, it’s intended to break down stereotypes and move people to make a difference. Coupled with the community health survey, the exercise will provide a