Poverty Simulation: Step Into the Shoes of Those Facing Poverty

Challenge your perceptions of poverty and strengthen understanding and empathy.

Poverty Simulation hero image

What is a United Way Poverty Simulation?

The United Way Poverty Simulation is a unique and powerful in-person experience designed to challenge perceptions, shift perspectives, and deepen empathy. Held in a physical space in the Alberta Capital Region, this immersive simulation allows participants to engage directly with real-world scenarios.
Throughout the event, participants navigate a range of encounters and challenges, with trained volunteers acting as business owners, teachers, police officers, agency workers, service providers, and government employees.
The simulation mirrors a month in the life of a family living in poverty. Participants must make difficult decisions in real-time, facing the consequences as they work to provide food, shelter, and other basic necessities on a limited income. This hands-on experience offers a rare opportunity to step into the shoes of those facing poverty, providing a depth of understanding far beyond traditional learning methods.

 

Have questions? Want to book a Poverty Simulation for your team in the Edmonton area? Please complete this form:

"*" indicates required fields

Your name:*

Volunteer at a Poverty Simulation

Trained volunteers populate the simulation as business owners, teachers, police officers, social agency workers, service providers, and government employees while participants experience a full range of encounters, obstacles and challenges. Volunteers also assist with preparation, event set-up, and wrap-up.

Sign up to volunteer

Main Office

15132 Stony Plain Road Edmonton, AB T5P 3Y3

InKind Exchange Office

14710 112 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5M 2T9

United Way’s Commitment to Reconciliation

We are all Treaty people. United Way acknowledges our connection to one another, here on Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region #4. The diverse Indigenous Peoples of this land include the nêhiyawak, Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe, Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. Many of our staff are settlers living and working in this Territory. We all have a responsibility to uphold the spirit and intent of the original treaties and build relationships, trust, and understanding. We are grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture Indigenous people share with us as we walk the path towards reconciliation together. We honour and respect Indigenous contributions supporting our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.

© 2017-24 United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. All rights reserved. BN/Registration Number: 11926 0487 RR0001