WC Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host a poverty simulation event on September 29 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by working families who struggle to afford basic needs. The event, which will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom at the University Center, is open to community members and aims to deepen understanding of poverty in the St. Croix Valley region.

The simulation focuses on ALICE households—families that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households earn above the federal poverty line but still cannot consistently cover essential expenses such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare.

Kathleen Hunzer, director of academic programs at UWRF and facilitator of the event, said: “The Community Action Poverty Simulation debunks common misconceptions about poverty and increases our understanding of those in our communities who are gainfully employed but who have limited assets and a constrained income. The simulation clarifies that poverty is not a personal failure but rather a systemic, structural issue that needs to be addressed at the local, state and national levels.”

During the simulation, participants will assume roles representing families living one month in poverty. They will work together to make decisions about employment, bills, food, healthcare, and childcare. Volunteers will staff resource tables simulating banks, schools, grocery stores, employers and social service agencies. Training for volunteers will be provided before the event.

A guided debriefing session at the end of the evening will allow participants to share insights and discuss possible community solutions.

The event is co-sponsored by several campus organizations including the UWRF Student Government Association and Honors Program as well as local partners such as Our Neighbor’s Place and United Way of St. Croix Valley. These groups hope to highlight how many people living just above the poverty threshold often go unnoticed by broader society.

Registration is required for both participants and volunteers. More information can be found at students.uwrf.edu/student-involvement/poverty-simulation or by emailing jordan.cantele@uwrf.edu.