Poverty Simulation Teaches Local Community about Local Need

Written by: Georgia Godfrey

The College of Human Sciences Family and Consumer Science Program hosted a poverty simulation experience Tuesday (Nov. 6) in order to educate the Lubbock community on the realities of poverty in the West Texas area.

Members of the Lubbock and Texas Tech community participated in role-playing scenarios to better understand the issues of low-income living and the affects to everyone in the community. Texas Tech faculty then led a discussion about the experience and discussed the potential for changes within the community.

"Our goal with this experience is to create an awareness campaign that helps people recognize the need for change and make a difference within our local area," said Linda Hoover, dean of the College of Human Sciences. "At the College of Human Sciences, we recognize the need to touch people’s lives and this simulation is yet another way that we are striving to help people within our community."

Sponsored by the College of Human Sciences and the Texas Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Northwest District, the simulation exists to create an awareness and educational campaign about poverty in the West Texas area.

"Many people in our local community don’t realize the number of people who live on a limited month-to-month income and aren’t sensitive to the struggles that this budget makes on families," said Karen Alexander, assistant professor in the Family and Consumer Science program. "Poverty simulations like this one are meant to help people understand those struggles and in turn lend a hand to those who may not be as fortunate."

The Texas Tech Family and Consumer Science program prepares individuals for professional positions in secondary schools, colleges and universities, extension education, and related areas through quality teaching, research and service. As part of the Texas Tech College of Human Sciences, the Family and Consumer Science program enhances the college’s mission to further the human condition and to encourage community involvement.

CONTACT: Georgia Godfrey, coordinator of college development and external relations, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-3263, or georgia.godfrey@ttu.edu.