Catholic Charities Bridges to Circles Initiative invites the community to experience a unique Poverty Solutions Rally featuring a Poverty Simulation on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm at WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Studio, 1000 College Blvd. This event is designed for local community members to have a better understanding of the realities of poverty and learn about opportunities to help eliminate poverty. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected during event for Manna Food Pantries. The event is proud to have been included this year as an activity promoting National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week (NHHAW) in Escambia County, Florida.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau approximately 53,000 or 18.9% of people in Escambia County live in poverty. Efforts are already working to reduce the poverty rate is Bridges to Circles led by Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida in collaboration with Prosper Pensacola. Bridges to Circles established in 2008 matches highly motivated people living in poverty with allies who provide emotional support and assist with life issues. Families working with Bridges to Circles for 18 months have achieved the following goals: increased income, reduced use of public benefits, completed post-secondary education, become first-time homebuyers and established emergency savings.
The Poverty Simulation allows participants to assume the identity of a family member living in poverty and for one and a half hours has to make decisions based on survival. Community members will begin to understand what life is like with a shortage of money, an abundance of stress and think about the harsh realities of poverty. Spaces are limited! Contact the Bridges to Circles office to register today.
If you would like more information about the Poverty Solutions Rally or to register for Poverty Simulation please contact Haley Richards, (850)429-7296, ext. 17 or email richardsh@cc.ptdiocese.org. Visit http://www.catholiccharitiesnwfl.org.
Want to Go?
What: Poverty Solutions Rally featuring Poverty Simulation
When: November 19, 2011, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Where: WSRE Jean & Paul Amos Studio, 1000 College Blvd
Cost: Free, Donations accepted
Details: The Poverty Simulation starts at 8:30 am with participant check-in followed by a debriefing. Spaces are limited. 11:00 am proclamation issued by the City of Pensacola, video presentation about local poverty and panel discussion with Bridges to Circles families. Information will be on hand for the public to learn and join in the work being done to reduce poverty. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected at the event for Manna Food Pantries. Please bring donations and place items in designated boxes. Look for signs designating public parking.