This morning I participated in a transformative experience facilitated by Think Tank, Inc., a nonprofit working to alleviate poverty by simulating the daily reality of those living in poverty at Achievement Centers for Children & Families in Delray Beach, FL. The event was sponsored by the Palm Beach County Services Department and Palm Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Delray Beach to give community leaders, educators and business people an idea of what it’s like to live on less than $23,000 a year as a family.
Over three hours, the C.O.P.E – Cost of Poverty Experience brings to life the inherent challenges of struggling to survive life below the poverty level. It was an experience of chaos, dysfunction and despair.What struck me most was the stress and mental anguish that goes into just trying to exist. Having clarity of mind to plan ahead and set goals is a luxury.
Perhaps the saddest part is that people struggling to survive are often demonized as lazy, ignorant, and hopeless which only perpetuates the cycle. I left realizing the true cost of poverty is fundamentally the human spirit.
