How poverty affects an entire community, and what we can do to change it

Community members are encouraged to attend the Great Neighbours project meeting to hear about the work that is being done within the City and how it links to poverty reduction.

Jack said the Great Neighbours project looks at how being neighbourly and aware of our neighbours can assist in the upkeep of both mental and physical health as well as the feeling of safety felt in our communities just by being connected.

“Often people who are living in poverty feel very socially isolated because of their circumstances relative to others and that sense of withdrawing from others,” said Jack.

Being neighbourly, said Jack, may enable people to feel connected when they otherwise feel like they can’t go out and participate in things because of a financial burden.

The simulation being hosted in the afternoon is a way for those who want to get involved to see what it’s like to live in some extent of poverty. Any members of the community can take part in the simulation either as a volunteer or a participant, and there is no cost to attend.

Participants who sign up will attend as the simulation family members and the volunteers become the staff and agencies put in place to help those living in poverty.

“The greatest experience is certainly in being a family and experiencing that day to day grind of how to make the month,” said Jack.

The goal of the simulation is to enlighten people as to the challenges that are experienced by people who are living with a lower limited income.

In the span of one hour participants “live” a month in the life of poverty and Jack said it’s a time full of panic building over how to budget and what choices to make.

“Two or more family groups are the exact same, so it’s interesting to hear how they handled it differently. Who decides lets home share and save on rent or who goes to crime or gets evicted, there are many different outcomes,” said Jack.

Jack said the first step for Red Deerians wanting to help change the face of poverty locally is to become well-informed. The second step, she said, is to connect to the community agencies working towards this common goal.

“The third step is to come on down and join us. Get involved in some of the actions we are doing because we always need people that want to stand up and talk about how to get more economic security for citizens in Red Deer.”

For more information or to RSVP to either event email info@capovertyreduction.ca

by Kirsten Dennis

How poverty affects an entire community, and what we can do to change it

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