London, ON – The best way to appreciate someone’s journey is to experience it yourself. This Friday, March 6th, local leaders and decision makers will take part in a half-day experience which will present them with some of the challenges and barriers that keep Middlesex-London residents from moving beyond poverty.

“This simulation is designed to put local influencers into the shoes of those who are struggling to make ends meet. Over the course of the morning, they’ll have to navigate the social services system and make the tough decisions thousands of Middlesex-London residents are faced with every day,” says Shane Clarke, Coordinator of the Circles® Program. “Through this simulation participants will experience what we call the ‘tyranny of the moment’, a cycle of perpetual problem solving which keeps people from getting ahead.”

Circles® is a new community-driven poverty reduction strategy hosted by Goodwill Industries in partnership with The City of London.

The simulation will provide leaders from London and Middlesex County with a personal experience designed to provide an understanding of some challenges facing people who live in poverty. It’s hoped the experience will change decision makers’ perceptions of poverty-related issues, leading to policy and program decisions that have a positive effect on City and County residents. Participants will experience first-hand the barriers, including lack of transportation, low wages, precarious employment, and many other factors, which keep people stuck living with the effects of poverty.

“Health improves every step up the income ladder,” says Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Health is affected by more than just healthy eating, not smoking and exercising; it’s a combination of all of our living conditions – whether we have access to affordable food, housing and supports.”

The poverty simulation is hosted by the Middlesex-London Health Unit in partnership with London’s Child and Youth Network Ending Poverty Awareness Committee, and the United Way London & Middlesex.

Please note: The poverty simulation will take place at YFC London, 254 Adelaide Street South from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and is not open to the public. Follow the poverty simulation on Twitter at #povertysim.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Shane Clarke, Coordinator, Circles® Program