What is the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS)?
The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) is an immersive, experiential learning activity originally developed by the Missouri Community Action Network and adopted by the Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaboration (NIHC) as an annual interprofessional education (IPE) activity for health professions students. CAPS challenges participants to step into the real-life experiences of individuals and families living in poverty, helping to break down stereotypes and foster empathy.
Poverty is often misunderstood as a singular issue, but in reality, it is a complex and interconnected web of challenges. CAPS allows participants to simulate living a month in poverty, offering a deeper understanding of the daily decisions, trade-offs, and barriers faced by millions of low-income individuals.
The CAPS simulation is not a game—it is a powerful educational tool grounded in the lived experiences of those served by community action agencies. Through structured, interactive scenarios, CAPS encourages participants to reflect on the systemic nature of poverty and identify opportunities for meaningful change at individual, organizational, and community levels.
CAPS Objectives
CAPS is designed to:
- Promote Poverty Awareness
Participants simulate the day-to-day realities of low-income individuals and families while navigating financial hardships, limited resources, and systemic barriers. - Increase Understanding
Following the simulation, participants engage in a guided debrief to reflect on their experiences and explore systemic causes of poverty. - Inspire Local Change
The experience encourages participants to become advocates for equity and social justice within their professions and communities. - Transform Perspectives
CAPS challenges the misconception that poverty results from personal failure, helping participants reframe it as a complex issue rooted in systemic inequalities.
Why It Matters for Health Professions Students
For future healthcare professionals, understanding the social determinants of health is essential. CAPS helps learners:
- Recognize how poverty affects health outcomes and access to care.
- Develop empathy for patients facing economic hardship.
- Identify opportunities for interprofessional collaboration to address health inequities.
What Happens During the Simulation?
Participants are assigned roles representing individuals or families living in poverty. Each group receives a scenario card outlining their unique circumstances—such as limited income, lack of transportation, or caregiving responsibilities.
Over the course of four 15-minute “weeks,” participants must:
- Secure food, shelter, and basic needs.
- Access community resources such as banks, schools, employers, and social services.
- Navigate unexpected challenges like illness, job loss, or transportation issues.
The simulation takes place in a large room configured to represent a community:
- Family “homes” are represented by clusters of chairs in the center.
- Community services (e.g., grocery stores, schools, health clinics) are located at tables around the perimeter.
- Volunteers (faculty, staff, and community members) representing service providers and community resources.
Real-Life Scenarios You May Encounter During the Simulation
- A single parent with no transportation must find a way to get to work and arrange childcare.
- An elderly person must choose between paying for medication or utilities.
- A young adult must care for siblings while their parent is incarcerated.
- A retired couple must raise grandchildren while managing their own health and financial challenges.
Time Commitment and Structure
The full CAPS experience lasts approximately four hours, including:
- Orientation – Introduction to the simulation and ground rules.
- Simulation Exercise – Four simulated weeks of navigating poverty.
- Debriefing Session – Facilitated discussion to reflect on insights, emotions, and implications for professional practice.
Learn More
- Watch this brief video from the Missouri Community Action Network to see CAPS in action:
CAPS Overview Video - Visit the Missouri Community Action Network at www.povertysimulation.org
Upcoming Community Action Poverty Simulation Details
When: Friday, October 24, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
This event is open to all students participating in the Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaborative (NIHC), including those from:
- Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU)
- Washington State University (WSU)
- Heritage University
- Central Washington University (CWU)
Pre-registration is required due to limited space.
Check back for the registration link, which will open one month prior to the event.
Emotional Safety Disclaimer
The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) is a powerful, immersive experience designed to deepen understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families living in poverty. Please be aware that the content and scenarios presented during the simulation may be emotionally intense or triggering for some participants, particularly those with lived experiences related to poverty, trauma, or systemic hardship.
To support your well-being, licensed mental health counselors will be on-site and available throughout the event. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to step away and seek support.
Your emotional safety is a priority and you are encouraged to engage at a level that feels comfortable for you.