INSTRUCTIONS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

Please read this first!

The purpose of this simulation is to give you a small taste of what life is like for refugees living in the United States on an extremely limited income. For the next hour, you will join in the mixture of U.S. citizens and refugees who live with incomes below the poverty line. You will be facing some of the many challenges that real low-income families face.

Read the following instructions carefully and look over the materials in your packet so that you are fully aware of your situation and resources. The next hour represents a month of time. You will have to work rapidly to get your tasks done. A signal will be given at the end of each “week.”

IN ORDER TO SURVIVE THE “MONTH” YOU WILL NEED TO:

  • Keep your home secure.
  • Buy the required amount of food each week.
  • Keep your utilities on.
  • Make your loan payments.
  • Pay for clothing and miscellaneous expenses.
  • Respond appropriately to unexpected factors in your life.
  • Keep your school-age children in school.

Remember, the simulation is not a game. Millions face the challenge that is before you. Do your best to survive the month and better your situation.

1. FAMILY PROFILE

First read the description of the family of which you are now a member. Put on your name tag – each family member has one – and try consistently to assume the role of that person for the next hour.

2. COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Look around the room at the resources available to you in your community. These are identified with signs on or near the tables.

3. YOUR FAMILY RESOURCES

In your packet are all the resources you have available to you. If you are on TANF, your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card is enclosed. EBT cards may be used anywhere you see the “EBT” logo. If you have only a small amount of cash, it is in the packet. If you have a savings account, you have a statement to use at the bank. If you are employed, you have an Employment Card which you must take with you when reporting to work. You also have six picture cards that represent some of your belongings. In a pinch, each of them (valued at $100 apiece) might be pawned at the pawnshop or sold on the street, but they will then not be available for your use in the future unless you redeem them.

4. FOOD STAMPS

If you are already on Food Stamps, there is an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card in your packet. Food stamps can be used to purchase food items only. They may not be used for toilet tissue or other paper products, soap, detergents, etc. If you do not have an EBT card, you may wish to go to the Social Services office to learn about eligibility.

5. TRANSPORTATION

Each time you move from one resource area to another, you will need to submit a pass for yourself and each person with you. This represents bus fares, gasoline, taxis, or walking time. Since you can go nowhere without a transportation pass, make sure you get a supply early in the “month.” If you own a car, you only need one pass for each location you visit, regardless of the amount of people with you.

6. SUPER CENTER

One of the most important tasks you have during this “month” is to feed your family. You must buy food for each of the 15-minute “weeks” or risk illness. You may buy for the entire month at one time if you wish. Food Stamps are accepted for food purchases only. Don’t forget that inadequate diet can damage your family’s health. The Super Center is also the location where you need to turn in your money for your clothing, uniforms, pre-paid burial plans, medicine, and other miscellaneous expenses.

7. “LUCK OF THE DRAW” CARDS

During the hour, you may receive a “Luck of the Draw” card that represents life’s little surprises, both good and bad. If you receive a card you must follow the instructions as stated.

8. PAWNSHOP

If necessary, you may pawn some possessions, but be aware that it will be more expensive to redeem the items should you wish to get them back in the future.

9. HOUSING AND UTILITY COSTS

During the hour, you must go to the mortgage company to pay your rent or make your mortgage payments. If you do not make your payment within the first three weeks you risk being evicted from your home. A utility collector will be stationed in the room to accept payments, but if you do not make payments within the first two weeks, she/he will come around to collect your utility payments or announce an impending disconnection. Be prepared to deal with these demands.

10. OTHER POSSIBLE RESOURCES

You will see other agencies/businesses stationed around the room. Most of these have resources that may or may not assist you through the month. Remember that you must consider who you are, and your age, in contacting these agencies. A child, for example, could not take on this kind of task alone.

GOOD LUCK!