Poverty Simulator

 

APPROXIMATELY 30% OF FAMILIES IN KANE AND KENDALL COUNTY
QUALIFY AS ALICE.

 

THESE FAMILIES LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK.

 

IMAGINE YOU AND YOUR PARTNER HAVE TWO CHILDREN, AGED 3 AND 10, AND ARE AN ALICE HOUSEHOLD.

 

Your employment option will determine your income, but it's not an easy choice.

The Federal Poverty Level for a family of 4 is $31,200 a year,
but your household earns more than this amount,
therefore you do not qualify for government benefits.

Your monthly income comes in the form of 15 credits.

 

WHAT CHOICES WILL YOU MAKE?

 

Simulation Purpose

Imagine you are struggling to provide the basic necessities for your family. This simulation is designed to help you better

  • understand the realities of living paycheck to paycheck,
  • understand what it feels like to run out of cash before your bills are paid,
  • and understand how Fox Valley United Way advocates for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community.

Make 1 Choice For Each:

  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Child Care
  • Healthcare
  • Food
  • Technology
  • Utilities
  • Miscellaneous
  • Unforeseen Circumstances
  • Fees

15 Credits & 11 Decisions

  • You will have options worth between 1 and 3 credits for each of the 11 categories.
  • Where will your choice deduct 3 credits, and where will it deduct 1?
  • Will you run out of credits before you complete each of the categories?
  • Are there consequences for your choices?
  • Let's see what you decide.
  • Let's see how that makes you feel.

 

Take the challenge and learn how you can turn the downward spiral upwards for your struggling neighbors.

Your Choices

EMPLOYMENT - SELECT ONE
HOUSING - SELECT ONE
TRANSPORTATION - SELECT ONE
CHILD CARE - SELECT ONE
HEALTH CARE - SELECT ONE
FOOD - SELECT ONE
TECHNOLOGY ACCESS - SELECT ONE
UTILITIES - SELECT ONE
MISCELLANEOUS - SELECT ONE
UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES - SELECT ONE
FEES - SELECT ONE

You made it to the end of the month, but...

Did you go into debt?

How did this exercise make you feel?

How would your life be different if you had to make these decisions for your family?

Many working families struggle to make ends meet even while working multiple jobs, and getting a better job is not always easy.

Some choices have consequences that could have a lasting impact, and sometimes, there are no good options.

Imagine the stress of knowing that one medical bill, one car repair, or missing a few day's pay could cause you to miss your utility or rent payment and set you on a downward spiral. Where would you turn?

We welcome your comments on our Poverty Simulator. Feel free to send them to info@foxvalleyunitedway.org.

Consider a donation to help turn the downward spiral upward for struggling families in your community.

 

Remaining Credits

E1

E2

E3


H1

 

H2

 

H3

 


TR1

 

 

TR2

 

 

TR3

 

 


CC1

 

CC2

 

CC3

 


HC1

 

HC2

 

HC3

 


Food1

 

Food2

 

Food3

 


Tech1

 

Tech2

 

Tech3

 


U2

 

U2

 

U3

 


Misc1

 

Misc2

 

Misc3

 


UN1

 

UF2

 

UF3

 


Fees1

 

Fees2

 

Fees 3

 



15

Housing 2