How does it feel to walk the tightrope of financial insecurity?
In the Tri-County, nearly 4 in 10 families live below the ALICE® Threshold. These families are working hard every day, yet still struggling to cover essentials like housing, food and childcare. Many of us are ALICE, have been ALICE, or know someone who is.
For ALICE families, life can feel like a constant balancing act, choosing between the electric bill and groceries, or having to miss a shift at work when childcare falls through. Often, a single setback can set off a spiral of financial instability.
The Trident United Way Community Poverty Simulation helps our community members walk in ALICE's shoes. This two-hour experience offers the opportunity to experience first-hand the challenges and resilience of families striving to get ahead. It’s a powerful reminder that when empathy informs our actions, we move closer to a community where every family has access to stability, opportunity and hope.
“Being in an ALICE family was emotionally intense and eye-opening. It felt like constantly living on the edge, where even the smallest, and unexpected events like a missed bus or a late paycheck could spiral into a crisis. The sense of pressure, urgency and limited choices was overwhelming and really put into perspective how fast difficult and scary choices popped up into everyday life.”
“The hardest part was deciding what not to do. Every choice meant sacrificing something important. There was never enough time or money to do everything, which created a sense of guilt and helplessness. Not being able to meet all the family's needs was very difficult to feel and balance mentally.”
“Thank you for providing this opportunity; the poverty simulation was a remarkable experience. When I first walked into the auditorium, it was hard to imagine how effective it would be. Throughout the simulation, I experienced a range of emotions, the most immediate being complete panic. [During my role in the experience] I was unemployed; my husband had just left me with $10 to my name, two children to support, and bills to pay. I progressed through the simulation feeling highly overwhelmed, hopeless, embarrassed, angry, irrational, appalled and, towards the end, hopeful and encouraged.”
“What really struck me about this poverty simulation was the range of emotions we all experienced and discussed through the wrap-up. The simulation gave me a chance to personally feel the despair and frustration that families go through while trying to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. It was one of the most challenging, frustrating and mentally exhausting exercises I have been through. I was so relieved when it was over. I will hold on to that in my future practice as a nurse. It was brought up that you never know the challenges your neighbor, client, or patient is facing. I will also remember how far a simple act of kindness went when you are at some of the lowest moments. It is easy to offer a kind word or a helping hand.”
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Community Poverty Simulations are held quarterly throughout the year. Please check our events calendar for upcoming Simulations.
Interested in the experience but unable to attend a Community Poverty Simulation? We can provide virtual and in-person experiences for local companies and organizations.
For more information, please contact Angie Williams at awilliams@tuw.org.
