Poverty simulation offers eye-opening experience for participants

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — A poverty simulation in Naples is giving participants a hands-on look at what it's like to live on a limited income.

The event, hosted by the Guadalupe Center, puts people in real-life scenarios involving housing, jobs, and daily expenses. Participants told WINK News reporter Mariaregina Mendoza the experience was truly eye-opening.

For two and a half hours, participants stepped into a different reality. At the poverty simulation, each person is given a family scenario and a limited income.

"The cost of poverty experience is really a way to bridge gaps," said Maria Bustamante, director of philanthropy and community engagement with the Guadalupe Center. "So these are real families that these participants are portraying today."

Every 15 minutes represents one week, meaning they must navigate an entire month in just a few hours. Participants move between stations like banks, jobs, and schools, making decisions about bills, appointments, and daily needs.

"I actually had a lived experience of poverty. I could hear the different participants saying, Oh my gosh, how could this be? Or what is this? I mean, this is real life. This is what you're supposed to be learning. This is what it feels like," said Sheri St. Marie, a participant. "So I thought it was incredibly real."

The simulation ends with participants reflecting on the decisions they made throughout the experience. The Guadalupe Center says the goal is to help people better understand the challenges some families face.

The nonprofit hosts these events twice a year.