On June 17, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, community members are invited to participate in a powerful and immersive Poverty Simulation at YMCA Northside Community Centre Gym (6391 76 St Red Deer).

This impactful experience, hosted by Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance (CAPRA) and facilitated by United Way Central Alberta, is designed to help participants better understand the realities faced by individuals and families living on low incomes in Red Deer. This hands-on simulation that challenges perceptions, builds empathy, and brings the complexity of poverty to life.

Register Here

What to Expect

Participants take on the roles of members of diverse families experiencing poverty. Some households may be facing unemployment, housing instability, disability, or unexpected life changes, reflecting the varied realities people encounter in our communities.

Throughout the simulation, participants interact with volunteers representing essential community services, including:

·     Employers and financial institutions

·     Social service agencies and healthcare providers

·     Schools, childcare, and community supports

·     Utility companies, grocery stores, and more

Unexpected challenges and difficult trade-offs are part of the experience, reflecting the real pressures many individuals and families face every day.

Why It Matters

Poverty is often misunderstood. This simulation offers a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers people face, not just financially, but emotionally and systemically.

Participants consistently leave the experience with:

·     A greater sense of empathy and awareness

·     New insights into how systems impact people’s lives

·     A stronger commitment to supporting meaningful solutions in their community

By stepping into someone else’s shoes, even for a few hours, we can begin to better understand the challenges many in our community face, and the role we all can play in creating positive change.