Living on the Edge is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. In the simulation, participants assume the role of a different family member facing poverty. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by members of their community.
The task of the “families” is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during the course of 4, 15-minute “weeks”. The simulation is conducted in a large room with the “families” seated in groups in the centre of the room. Around the perimeter are tables representing community resources and services for the families.
Volunteers are recruited to staff the resource tables and are also recruited to assume the roles of police officer and an “illegal activities” person. You may be working as a bank teller, shelter director or social development intake staff. No matter what your role, you will experience some of the stresses of working with people living in low-income. Your role will be to ensure they are paying their bills, picking up their food boxes or taking care of their kids at school.
Living on the Edge will take place on November 29th from 6 pm to 8:30 pm.
Please register to volunteer online HERE.
