Connect | Poverty Simulation

The Poverty Simulation: September 12, 2026

To ground our theological study in real-world experience, we are partnering with SC Thrive to host a Poverty Simulation on Saturday, Sep 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Central Energy.
This is for anyone over the age of 13. We will have childcare available for ages 0-12 during the simulation. Please be sure let us know if you need childcare when you register.

You should know that this is not an abstract exercise. It is an intensive, immersive, hands-on experience where participants navigate a simulated month of living in poverty. You will face the very real hurdles families experiencing poverty encounter daily:

• Housing instability and utility challenges

• Employment barriers and transportation limitations

• Difficult choices regarding basic services and food security

The simulation is designed to build empathy by placing you inside the experience rather than looking in from the outside. We encourage you to walk into this morning asking yourself: What do I actually know about poverty, and what have I simply assumed?

You can also bring non-perishable items to donate to the Salvation Army on September 12th and 13th. There will be bins to collect items near the front door.

These are the items in need: Canned Vegetables (green beans, corn, carrots, peas), Canned Beans (pinto, black, garbanzo), Canned Fruit, Canned Soup, Canned Meat (tuna, beef, salmon, chicken), Boxed Mac and Cheese, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Canned Pasta Sauce (spaghetti, marinara, alfredo), Bag Oatmeal, Boxed Starch (rice, potatoes, etc.), Packaged Pasta (any type), Ramen Noodles