Poverty causes helplessness and frustration

“Realville” has a bank, a public school, a pawn shop, social services, and a jail – and the participants in the Poverty Simulation program experienced some of the challenges and dangers that people who are struggling financially face every day.
 
I was the oldest daughter of the Aber family—dad just lost his job, and mom works hard but only earns $1,600 a month. With monthly expenses of $2,575, our main goal was to avoid eviction. While trying to get money and trading unnecessary things like jewelry and a camera at the pawn shop, we failed because Dad didn’t get a receipt for his payment. Meanwhile, one of my younger brothers was expelled from school, and the other ended up in juvenile detention—twice. This experience showed how hard it is to keep up with payments when basic needs can’t be met during an emergency. On top of that, every visit to an agency costs a transportation pass! 
 
Our family stuck together; we helped little Andy out of jail twice, and food vouchers were a big help. A small accident – just a cut while cooking – set us back, costing $200 for a doctor’s visit. Every family went through the same thing: frustration, helplessness, stress, and small payments like $5 here and there for school supplies, adding up. We eventually had to move into the homeless shelter, at least for a while!!!
 
The program aimed to show participants the real-life challenges people face every day in unstable financial situations. The jump from losing a job to eviction is quick, and health problems without insurance are expensive. Help exists, but many families don’t even know where to find it. Most participants later shared that the challenges were stressful and sometimes overwhelming. 
 
The Circles of the Coastal Bend program aims to help people escape poverty through training, information, and support from allies who accompany participants, many of whom lack a support system. Former participants, volunteers, and program leaders explained how it works after the simulation. With the second cohort set to graduate soon, leaders plan to expand the program into rural areas.
 
For more information on the Circles Program, please contact the coordinator, Isabel Jones, at (361) 884-0651, ext. 226.