Event Details

Could you survive a month in poverty?

As of 2011, 46.2 million people in the United States, or 15% of the population, live in poverty. That number includes 16,100,000 children under the age of 18 - over 21% of our children, an increase of more than 5% since 2000! Almost 10% of the 16 million children live in "deep poverty," defined as a family of four with an annual income threshold of $11,511 (or $239.81 per month per person). Many more have incomes above the poverty line ($23,022 annually for a family of four), but still qualify for programs such as Food Stamps and Medicaid. It is difficult for most of us to truly understand the situations that families living in poverty experience every day - the decisions, the fears and frustrations.

In partnership with Crisis Assistance Ministry, the McColl School of Business is sponsoring the Poverty Simulation, a unique and exciting event that will help you gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live in poverty, as well as insight into the complex world of government services and commercial enterprises that impact cycles of poverty. This takes place when you assume the role of a family member in poverty, or a service provider or organization working with low income individuals. 

Queens students: If you choose to participate, you can count this towards your CAC hours!

For volunteer information or to have your students participate, e-mail Diane McGowan.