SPRINGFIELD — The United Way of Effingham County presented a poverty simulation for the first time on Friday morning at the Effingham County Parks and Recreation Department gym.

Led by Executive Director Elise Zielicke and Assistant Director Elizabeth Waters, simulation participants went through various scenarios testing their reactions and knowledge of resources in situations of families face economic crises.

Zielicke said the exercise was as a way of acquainting the public with the problems that many in the county face as well as community organizations that offer solutions and resources. She said it’s a way to “bring awareness of poverty and homelessness in Effingham County and what that looks like.” She said that it looks very different than it might in larger, more urban communities.

Zielicke said a lack of public transportation often feeds into homelessness and poverty in the county. She explained that a family barely making it day to day might be faced with a car tire blowing out, leaving the breadwinners in a position where they can’t afford new tires and unable to get to their jobs.

She also said that gaps in health care between someone losing a job and making it until government services kick in often leave families struggling. Having groups in the county that can help make up that gap is key to these families surviving, she said.

See the Dec. 12 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.