COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
OF NW MT
Poverty Simulation
Human service agencies, local civic and community leaders and the general public participated in a simulation held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, starting at 1:30pm in Kalispell at the Gateway West Mall, 1203 US Hwy 2 Gathering Room.
The simulation was designed to sensitize those who frequently interact with low-income families as well as to create a broader awareness of poverty among policymakers, community leaders and others.
21,865 people experience the realities of poverty in Northwest Montana. Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana is holding a unique poverty simulation workshop that is designed to help people better understand the realities of poverty.
“This program helps people understand the complexities and frustrations of living in poverty day to day,” said Tracy Diaz, Executive Director Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana “With a greater awareness of its impact, we can more effectively address the poverty issues in our community.”
More than 133,621 Montanans are living at or below federal poverty level, according to the 2020 census. “This is the everyday reality of thousands of Montanans. Understanding that reality will help us change it,” said Ms. Diaz
“Community Action Poverty Simulations enables participants to look at poverty from a variety of angles and then to recognize and discuss the potential for change within their local communities,” said Elaine West, Executive Director of Missouri Association for Community Action, which made the simulation available nationwide.