Many Iowans face poverty every day. Even if you've never experienced poverty, it touches you as a teacher, nurse, banker, volunteer, clerk, landlord, or community member. You cross paths every day with people who are poor. For some, the wear and tear of poverty is obvious; for others, it is a silent struggle; for all it is harmful.Put on the shoes of poverty. See how the Poverty Simulation can raise awareness, heighten sensitivity, and create new paths in your community or at your school or organization.

The ROWEL Poverty Simulation is an educational program that provides an opportunity to "walk a mile in the shoes" of someone living in poverty. This simulation was created by the Reform Organization of Welfare (ROWEL) and was purchased by Iowa State University Extension to Families in 1995.

Simulation Teaches What Poverty Is Like
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 9 percent of Iowa’s population is living in poverty — more than 264,000 people. An educational program offered through Iowa State University Extension provides an opportunity to experience the difficulties these individuals and families face and “walk a mile in their shoes.” More...

National Public Radio takes a look at efforts around the country that aim to tackle poverty in a variety of ways in its series on poverty. One of the stories features how Savannah, Georgia is using the poverty simulation as part of its poverty reduction initiative. Read and listen to the series...

The Missouri Association for Community Action (MACA) purchased the copyright to the ROWEL product in August 2002. The simulation is now identified as the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS). For more information about purchasing the Poverty Simulation, go to: www.communityaction.org