Gastonia to host poverty simulator

The city of Gastonia’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department is hosting a poverty simulation.

From 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, May 15, Gaston residents are invited to the Erwin Recreation Center at 913 N. Pryor St. to learn more about the challenges of daily life for those living in poverty.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, more than 14% of Gastonia’s population is living in poverty.

“Poverty is a stark reality for many in our community, yet it often remains misunderstood by those who have not experienced it firsthand,” the city’s diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator Cherie Jzar said in a press release. “We hope participants will gain empathy, understanding, and insight into the complexities of poverty as we join together to create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.”

During the simulation, which is to be facilitated by the Charlotte Crisis Assistance Ministry Team, each participant will be assigned to a family.

In their families, participants will role play a typical month in the life of someone facing poverty.

The challenges and scenarios they will face are based on the real life stories of Community Action clients, according to JZar.

“The room is set up to represent a community, with chairs in the center representing family homes and tables along the wall representing community services and businesses. Participants are given money, assets, and jobs, and must learn what's available at each resource center, such as a grocery store, employer, jail, and church,” she said.

Some of the daily challenges participants will face include having to work or school, putting food on the table, and even struggling with a chronic illness.

“The simulation is not a game, but rather an exercise to sensitize participants to the realities that low-income people face. The goal is to shift the paradigm about poverty away from being seen as a personal failure and toward understanding poverty as a failure of society,” JZar said.

After completing the exercise, city staff and community participants will discuss their experiences, insights, and how to move forward. The event is free to attend, and those that are interested are encouraged to register through Eventbrite.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gastonia to host poverty simulator