“Basically, a participant is given a scenario for their life, like a single mother with children and a disabled parent,” said Mountain Projects’ Alice Ensley. “The simulation takes them through a month in the life of that scenario. They must go to work, take care of the children, parent, pay bills and apply for assistance.”

Almost 16 percent of Haywood County residents don’t need to attend the simulation, because for them, poverty is a daily reality. But for the rest, the simulation is intended to provide “a window into the lives of North Carolina’s low income families and the struggles they face to overcome barriers of joblessness, homelessness, crime, illiteracy and lack of quality childcare,” according to a statement released by Mountain Projects. 

Participants can expect an interactive experience that will also throw some of life’s curveballs into an already tenuous existence. 

“Along the way they may experience difficulties with health, a car may break down or the kids may have trouble with school or perhaps they may lose their job,” Ensley said. “All this is to help one’s perspective concerning those we serve.”

The event is free, and will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at First United Methodist Church, 566 South Haywood St., in Waynesville. Registration is required; email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..